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.

Prior to this appointment, she served as the Chief General Manager and Regional Head of HR for Western Region-II, alongside handling responsibilities as the Chief Human Resources Officer at NSPCL, a joint venture of NTPC and SAIL. In these roles, she successfully spearheaded major strategic talent management programs, industrial relations initiatives, and capability-building frameworks. Her journey within the power major reflects a steady ascent through key responsibilities, having started her career from the grassroots level as an Executive Trainee in Personnel.

In her new capacity as Executive Director, Premlata is slated to drive NTPC’s overarching people strategy, leadership development agenda, and workplace transformation initiatives. Her vast experience across regional operations and joint ventures will be instrumental as NTPC continues to align its human capital with evolving sectoral demands and organizational excellence goals.

A Gold Medallist in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi, Dr Sahay holds a PhD in Commerce and Management, along with degrees in Economics and Law, including LLB and LLM. He is a Life Member of the National HRD Network and the Administrative Staff College of India. A national-level awardee, he received the AIMA Best Young Manager Award in 2021 and was the AIMA National HR Quiz Winner in 2005. An accomplished sportsman, he has represented MECON, Ranchi University, Ranchi District, and NTPC in various prestigious cricket tournaments and office leagues.