New Delhi

Thegovernment has appointed Sunil Kumar, an executive director of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), as the state-run energy major's next chairman, making him the first executive in the company's history to be elevated directly from the executive director rank to its top post.

Kumar will succeed Arun Kumar Singh, whose extended tenure ends on December 6, according to the appointment decision.

The appointment follows a multi-stage selection process in which a search-cum-selection committee conducted two rounds of interviews before recommending Kumar. The appointment was subsequently approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The October 21 order said Kumar, who is currently ED of ONGC's Mehsana asset, has been appointed chairman of the company "with effect from the date of his assumption of charge of post on or after December 7, 2026, till his superannuation, ie December 31, 2028 and thereafter on contract basis, for a combined tenure of three years, or until further orders, whichever is earlier."

Kumar's elevation represents a departure from the conventional progression to ONGC's top job, which has generally involved prior service in board-level positions.