New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Sunil Kumar as Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) next Chairman, bringing clarity to a succession process that had generated considerable media speculation.
According to an order dated October 21, reviewed by PSU Watch, the ACC approved the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas’ proposal based on the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC).
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Kumar’s appointment will take effect from the date he assumes charge on or after December 7, 2026. He is currently serving as Executive Director (ED) at ONGC.
The order provides for Kumar to serve until his superannuation on December 31, 2028, and thereafter on a contractual basis, for a combined tenure of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
He has been appointed in the pay scale of Rs 2,00,000–3,70,000 under the Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA) pattern.
The three-year period covers both his service before superannuation and the subsequent contractual engagement; it is not an additional three-year term after retirement.
The decision places an executive from within ONGC in line to lead the company. According to the company’s official profile records, Kumar assumed charge as Executive Director and Asset Manager of ONGC’s Mehsana Asset on January 8, 2025. He was subsequently appointed ONGC’s nominee director on its board with effect from January 24, 2025.
Kumar is set to succeed Arun Kumar Singh, whose extended tenure is scheduled to conclude on December 6, 2026. The government had initiated the selection process for the vacancy earlier this year.
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The appointment follows reports suggesting that Singh could receive another extension, including claims that the search committee had not found a suitable successor. The ACC’s approval now establishes the government’s decision to appoint Kumar.
The distinction is significant: the government has approved the next Chairman, but the leadership transition will take place when Kumar assumes charge in accordance with the order.
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