His appointment marks a strategic new chapter for the Coal India subsidiary as it seeks to strengthen its financial management. In his new role, Singh is expected to guide MCL toward enhanced operational efficiency, robust financial governance, and overall excellence across its operations.

A distinguished HR professional with over 36 years of experience with NTPC, Shri Panigrahi has held key assignments across recruitment, training and development, industrial relations, employee welfare, administration, security, CSR and HR digitalisation.

Over the course of his career, he has served at several major NTPC establishments, including Talcher Kaniha in Odisha, Vindhyachal in Madhya Pradesh, APCPL Jhajjar in Haryana, Tanda in Uttar Pradesh, the Corporate Centre in New Delhi, and the Southern and Northern Regional Headquarters at Hyderabad and Lucknow, respectively.

During his tenure at the Corporate Centre, Shri Panigrahi played a pivotal role in the implementation of PeopleSoft HRMS and SAP ERP systems, supporting the digital transformation of NTPC’s HR processes. He also played a significant role in the development of integrated security systems across the organisation.

He subsequently headed HR at Tanda Super Thermal Power Station and went on to lead HR for the Southern and Northern Regions. In December 2025, he assumed additional responsibility as Regional Head of HR for the Northern Region, alongside his existing responsibilities for the Southern Region. He was elevated to the position of Executive Director (HR) with effect from June 8, 2026.

Known for his people-centric approach, strategic perspective and commitment to organisational excellence, Shri Panigrahi brings extensive experience and a broad understanding of human resource management. He has been actively associated with leading professional bodies, including NIPM, AIMA, NHRD, SHRM, Power HR Forum and ISTD. He has also addressed several professional forums as a guest and keynote speaker, sharing his insights on HR, leadership and organisational development.

In his new role, Shri Panigrahi is expected to further strengthen NTPC’s people and HR strategy, while advancing the organisation’s agenda of transformation, capability building and sustainable growth.

With Pathak taking charge, Shri Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan, Chairman and Managing Director, has relinquished the additional charge of Director (Projects). Prior to the appointment, Pathak was Executive Director, OSD (Projects), and had led major initiatives including the Arun-3 SAPDC Transmission Project in Nepal. He also has extensive experience in the development and commissioning of EHV transmission lines and substations.

The appointment is expected to further strengthen the management and operational coordination of POWER GRID’s transmission network in the region. NERTS plays a key role in ensuring reliable and efficient power transmission across the North Eastern states.

Kumar joined POWERGRID in January 1994 and has more than 32 years of experience in the power transmission sector. He holds a B.Sc. Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering from B R Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, and was promoted to the position of Executive Director in July 2026.

During his tenure with POWERGRID, Kumar has served in various capacities across the North Eastern and Eastern regions, as well as at corporate and regional offices. His experience spans substation maintenance, operation and maintenance, consultancy, transmission line and substation projects, and project execution.

Kumar has also served at Jiribam and Seppa in the North Eastern Region, alongside assignments in Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Gurgaon, Rajasthan and other locations.

During his career, Shri Nettem has held key roles in the Mangala oilfields joint venture, the Barmer–Bhogat heated crude oil pipeline, ONGC’s downstream expansion and ONGC Videsh Limited. He has also led production enhancement and asset management initiatives at Assam Asset and provided strategic direction at Mumbai High on production, redevelopment, asset integrity and HSE. As Director (Production), he will focus on strengthening ONGC’s production performance through operational expertise, technology and strategic initiatives, contributing to India’s energy security.

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The selection followed interviews with 10 candidates, including senior officials from SAIL and other public-sector organisations. The shortlisted candidates included Executive Directors and Chief General Managers from SAIL, as well as senior finance officials from Indian Railway Finance Corporation and Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited.