Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and a Maharatna PSU, announced the appointment of Sanjay Khanna as its new Chairman and Managing Director (C&MD). He currently serves as Director (Refineries) in the organization.
Approval and Tenure
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment following the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC), functioning under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Khanna will assume charge from the date he takes office and will continue in the role until his superannuation on May 31, 2029, or until further orders.
Strategic Vision and Leadership Focus
With his extensive experience in refinery operations and project execution, Khanna is expected to strengthen BPCL’s strategic priorities. He will focus on expanding value-added products, enhancing petrochemical integration, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term energy security. Moreover, he will drive sustainable growth as the energy sector continues to evolve.
Professional Background
Sanjay Khanna brings over three decades of rich industry experience in refinery operations and technical services. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, and a postgraduate qualification in Finance Management from the University of Mumbai. Over the years, he has played a key role in advancing BPCL’s refining and petrochemical capabilities.
Key Contributions and Achievements
Before his elevation to C&MD, Khanna served as Director (Refineries). He also led BPCL’s Mumbai and Kochi Refineries, where he consistently drove operational excellence and capacity expansion. Notably, as per the press release, he successfully spearheaded the commissioning of BPCL’s first niche petrochemical venture—the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP)—during the pandemic. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the company’s petrochemical journey.
In addition, he has overseen several major projects involving the establishment of new process units across BPCL’s refineries. These initiatives have contributed to improved efficiency, higher value realization, and technological advancement.
Industry Engagement and Leadership Roles
Beyond his responsibilities at BPCL, Khanna actively contributes to the broader energy sector. He serves on the boards of Bharat Petro Resources Limited, Petronet LNG Limited, and Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, thereby strengthening integration across the energy value chain. As per the press release, Khanna chairs the Technical Committee for Petroleum Refineries under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, where he supports policy development and technical progress in India’s refining sector.
