Mumbai: Ajay Kumar, an experienced oil and gas professional with over 25 years of experience in domestic and international energy operations, has assumed charge as Director (Operations & Business Development) at Bharat PetroResources Limited (BPRL), Mumbai, with effect from October 28, 2026. His appointment is expected to strengthen the company’s upstream operations, business development initiatives and international energy portfolio.
BPRL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and serves as its upstream exploration and production arm, with oil and gas interests across India and several international markets.
Ajay Kumar’s Previous Role at ONGC
Before joining BPRL, Ajay Kumar served as General Manager and Executive Assistant to the Director (Strategy & Corporate Affairs) at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC).
During his tenure at ONGC, he was closely associated with several strategic initiatives, corporate planning activities, business diversification programmes and investment-related decisions.
With more than 25 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, Kumar has held several key operational, managerial and leadership positions across India and overseas. His professional experience includes upstream oil and gas operations, field development, international partnerships, project execution and business development.
Read also: BPCL Plans $3 Billion Bond Issue to Fund $2.8 Billion Brazil Offshore Oil Project
International Experience and Association with Global Energy Companies
During his career, Kumar has been associated with major international energy projects in Russia, Sudan, Venezuela and Mozambique. These assignments provided him with extensive exposure to complex exploration and production operations, multinational joint ventures and cross-border investment initiatives.
He has also worked closely with several prominent international energy companies, including:
- ExxonMobil
- Rosneft
- CNPC
- PETRONAS
- TotalEnergies
- Sudapet
- Mitsui
- PDVSA
In addition to his experience in conventional oil and gas operations, Kumar has been actively involved in corporate strategy, energy transition initiatives, portfolio diversification and emerging energy businesses.
Educational Background and Technical Contributions
An engineering professional with postgraduate qualifications in management, Kumar has also contributed to technical research and innovation in the energy sector.
His professional contributions include several technical publications and a patent, reflecting his involvement in technological development and innovation within the energy industry.
Appointment Recommended by PESB
Kumar’s appointment follows the recommendation of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) on June 23, 2026, and subsequent approval by the competent authority.
As Director (Operations & Business Development) at BPRL, he will be responsible for providing strategic leadership to strengthen the company’s upstream operations and improve the performance of its domestic and international assets.
His key priorities will include exploring new business opportunities, supporting portfolio expansion and contributing to the company’s long-term growth strategy.
His extensive operational experience, international exposure and strategic understanding of the energy sector are expected to support BPRL’s efforts to expand its upstream portfolio and strengthen its contribution to India’s energy security.
About Bharat PetroResources Limited (BPRL)
Bharat PetroResources Limited (BPRL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and operates as its upstream exploration and production arm. The company focuses on acquiring and developing oil and gas exploration and production assets in India and overseas. Through its domestic and international investments, BPRL contributes to strengthening India’s energy security and expanding BPCL’s presence in the upstream energy sector.
Read also: BPCL’s MAK Lubricants Partners with Germany’s LANXESS to Develop Advanced Industrial Lubricants
