New Delhi: The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Manoj Kumar Sharma, currently serving as Executive Director and Regional Head at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), for appointment as Director (Projects) at GAIL (India) Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise.
The recommendation was made during PESB Meeting No. 46/2026, held in New Delhi on June 13, 2026. The appointment will take effect only after approval from the competent authority.
Experienced IOCL Executive Selected for Key Board-Level Role
Manoj Kumar Sharma is a seasoned oil and gas sector professional with extensive experience at IOCL. Over his career, he has held several leadership positions focusing on project management, operations, and strategic execution.
His expertise in managing large-scale infrastructure and energy projects is expected to support GAIL’s expansion plans and long-term growth strategy, particularly in India’s evolving natural gas sector.
Strong Competition for Director (Projects) Position
The selection process witnessed participation from 12 senior-level executives from leading public sector undertakings and government bodies. Candidates interviewed by PESB included officials from GAIL, IOCL, BPCL, PNGRB, and the Government of India.
The key contenders were:
- Ajay Tripathi, Executive Director (PC-OM) and Officer In-Charge, Pata, GAIL (India) Limited
- Aloke Kumar Naskar, Chief Executive Officer, GMPL, GAIL (India) Limited
- Atul Kumar Tripathi, Executive Director (Projects), GAIL (India) Limited
- Anupam Mukhopadhyay, Chief Executive Officer, GAIL (India) Limited
- Kaipil Kumar Jain, Executive Director (Marketing-Retail LNG), GAIL (India) Limited
- Praveer Kumar Srivastava, Managing Director, Mahanagar Gas Limited and Executive Director, GAIL (India) Limited
- Rakesh Kumar Singh, Executive Director (O&M-Central Region), GAIL (India) Limited
- Biju Gopinath, Executive Director (Pipelines), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
- Sanjay Kumar Papneja, Executive Director (Project-Process), IOCL
- Srinivas Muppaala, Development Commissioner, Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone (VSEZ)
- Anjan Kumar Mishra, Secretary, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)
After interviews and evaluation, PESB recommended Manoj Kumar Sharma for the prestigious board-level position.
Role of Director (Projects) at GAIL
The Director (Projects) is one of the most critical functional board positions at GAIL (India) Limited. The role is responsible for overseeing and driving the company’s major project execution and infrastructure development initiatives, including:
- Natural gas pipeline expansion projects
- Petrochemical infrastructure development
- Gas processing facilities
- City gas distribution and related infrastructure
- Emerging energy and clean fuel initiatives
- Capital investment and capacity expansion planning
This position plays a key role in strengthening India’s energy infrastructure and supporting the country’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Appointment Subject to Government Approval
The PESB recommendation is not final. The appointment of Manoj Kumar Sharma as Director (Projects) at GAIL (India) Limited will be subject to approval by the competent authority and other procedural clearances as required under government norms.
If approved, he will join GAIL’s board and take charge of one of the company’s most strategically important portfolios.
About GAIL (India) Limited
GAIL (India) Limited is India’s leading natural gas company and a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It plays a crucial role in developing the country’s gas-based economy through its extensive network of pipelines, petrochemical plants, and city gas distribution infrastructure. The company is also expanding into renewable energy and low-carbon initiatives, contributing significantly to India’s energy transition goals.
