New Delhi: In a major leadership transition in India’s metals and mining sector, former Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) Chairman Amarendu Prakash has joined Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He officially assumed charge on June 18, 2026, succeeding Arun Misra, who recently moved to Vedanta Limited as Group CEO.
The appointment brings one of India’s most experienced steel industry leaders to the helm of the country’s largest integrated zinc producer and one of the world’s leading mining and metals companies.
Leadership Change at Hindustan Zinc
Hindustan Zinc Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, announced Amarendu Prakash’s appointment following the elevation of Arun Misra to the position of Group CEO at Vedanta Ltd.
Prakash’s arrival is expected to strengthen the company’s strategic focus on production excellence, sustainability, operational efficiency, and critical mineral security at a time when global demand for non-ferrous metals continues to rise.
Based in Udaipur, Rajasthan, Hindustan Zinc is India’s only integrated producer of zinc, lead, and silver. The company is recognized as the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer globally.
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End of a Distinguished SAIL Journey
Before taking charge at Hindustan Zinc, Amarendu Prakash spent more than 35 years at Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), one of India’s largest steel-producing companies.
He assumed charge as Chairman and Managing Director of SAIL on May 31, 2023, becoming one of the youngest executives to lead the Maharatna public sector enterprise.
In a surprising move, Prakash resigned from his position on January 2, 2026, with his resignation becoming effective from April 1, 2026, several years ahead of his scheduled superannuation.
His departure marked the end of a remarkable journey that began in 1991 and saw him rise through virtually every level of the organisation.
Educational Background
Mr Prakash possesses a strong technical foundation that has shaped his successful career in the metals and manufacturing sector.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the prestigious BIT Sindri, one of India’s renowned engineering institutions. His academic training equipped him with deep expertise in metallurgy, industrial engineering, manufacturing operations, and plant management.
Over the years, this technical knowledge became a key pillar of his leadership style, helping him bridge operational excellence with strategic decision-making.
Journey from Management Trainee to Chairman
Joining SAIL in 1991
Prakash joined SAIL in 1991 as a Management Trainee (Technical), beginning what would become one of the most distinguished careers in India’s public sector steel industry.
Over the next three decades, he worked across diverse operational and managerial roles, gaining experience in plant operations, project execution, corporate planning, and business strategy.
Early Recognition
His leadership capabilities were recognised early in his career.
In 1999, he received SAIL’s prestigious Jawahar Award for Best Young Manager, an honor bestowed upon executives demonstrating exceptional leadership and performance.
Role in SAIL’s Turnaround
One of the defining phases of his career came during the period between 2015 and 2017 when SAIL underwent a major business and financial transformation.
Prakash was part of the core executive leadership team that played a critical role in steering the company through structural reforms, operational improvements, and financial recovery initiatives.
The turnaround significantly strengthened SAIL’s competitiveness and laid the foundation for future growth.
Leading Bokaro Steel Plant Through Challenging Times
Before becoming Chairman, Prakash served as Director In-Charge of the Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), one of India’s largest steel manufacturing facilities.
Between 2020 and 2023, he guided the plant through the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic while simultaneously driving modernisation initiatives and operational improvements.
His leadership helped maintain production stability despite global supply-chain disruptions and economic uncertainties.
Transformative Tenure as SAIL Chairman
Upon assuming charge as Chairman and Managing Director in May 2023, Amarendu Prakash focused on accelerating growth, innovation, and sustainability across the organization.
During his tenure, SAIL recorded significant achievements in several areas:
Record Production Performance
The company witnessed improved production efficiencies and stronger operational performance across its major steel plants.
Green Steel Initiatives
Prakash emerged as a strong advocate of sustainable steelmaking and environmental responsibility.
Under his leadership, SAIL advanced several green steel initiatives, including:
- Hydrogen-based steelmaking trials
- Carbon capture initiatives
- Renewable energy integration
- Biochar-based industrial applications
- Carbon reduction strategies
Digital Transformation
Recognising the importance of technology in modern manufacturing, he spearheaded large-scale digitalisation and automation projects.
These initiatives enhanced:
- Plant safety standards
- Production forecasting
- Asset monitoring
- Operational efficiency
- Data-driven decision making
Taking Charge at Hindustan Zinc
With his appointment as CEO of Hindustan Zinc, Prakash now enters the mining and non-ferrous metals sector at a crucial time.
As India’s only integrated zinc, lead, and silver producer, HZL plays a critical role in supporting sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, automobiles, electronics, and defence manufacturing.
Industry observers believe Prakash’s extensive experience in large-scale industrial operations and sustainability initiatives will be valuable as the company seeks to strengthen its global position.
Strategic Priorities for HZL
As CEO, Mr Prakash is expected to focus on several key priorities:
Production Excellence
Enhancing operational efficiencies and maximising output across mining and smelting operations.
Sustainable Mining
Driving low-carbon and environmentally responsible mining practices aligned with global ESG standards.
Critical Mineral Security
Strengthening India’s strategic mineral supply chains amid rising global demand for metals critical to energy transition and industrial development.
Technology and Innovation
Expanding digital transformation, automation, and advanced analytics to improve productivity and workplace safety.
Leadership Style and Industry Reputation
Throughout his career, Mr Prakash has built a reputation as a leader who combines technical expertise with a people-centric management approach.
Colleagues and industry professionals often credit him for his ability to motivate large workforces, manage complex industrial operations, and successfully lead organisations through periods of transformation.
His emphasis on employee engagement, innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence has earned him widespread respect across India’s metals and mining sectors.
A New Chapter in India’s Metals Industry
The appointment of Amarendu Prakash as CEO marks a significant milestone for Hindustan Zinc as the company prepares for its next phase of growth.
With decades of experience spanning steel production, industrial transformation, sustainability, and digital modernisation, Prakash brings a wealth of expertise to one of the world’s leading zinc producers.
Industry stakeholders will closely watch how his leadership shapes Hindustan Zinc’s future strategy, particularly in areas such as green mining, critical minerals, production expansion, and technological innovation.
About Hindustan Zinc
Hindustan Zinc Limited is one of the world’s largest integrated zinc producers and a major player in India’s metals and mining sector. The company supplies a significant share of India’s zinc demand and is known for its focus on sustainability, innovation, and circular economy practices.
