Sanjay Khanna Appointed Chairman and Managing Director of BPCL

A seasoned industry leader with over three decades of experience, Sanjay Khanna steps into the top role at BPCL, steering the energy giant toward innovation, efficiency, and a sustainable future

In a significant leadership development within India’s energy sector, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has announced the appointment of Sanjay Khanna as its new Chairman and Managing Director. The decision, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, marks a strategic transition for the Fortune Global 500 company as it continues to strengthen its position in an evolving energy landscape.

Currently serving as Director of Refineries at BPCL, Sanjay Khanna will assume his new role with immediate effect upon taking charge. His tenure is set to continue until May 31, 2029, or until further directives, positioning him to play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s long term strategy and operational direction.

Khanna’s elevation comes at a time when the global energy sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by sustainability imperatives, technological advancements, and shifting consumption patterns. His appointment reflects BPCL’s intent to leverage experienced leadership to navigate these changes while maintaining operational excellence and growth momentum.

A chemical engineering graduate from the National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli and a postgraduate in finance management from the University of Mumbai, Khanna brings a strong blend of technical and financial expertise to the role. With over three decades of experience in refinery operations and technical services, he has been instrumental in strengthening BPCL’s refining and petrochemical capabilities.

Over the years, Khanna has held several key leadership positions within the organisation. He has previously headed BPCL’s major refineries in Mumbai and Kochi, where he drove operational efficiency and capacity expansion. His tenure as Executive Director of Kochi Refinery stands out for the successful commissioning of BPCL’s first niche petrochemical venture, the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project. Delivered during the challenges of the pandemic, the project marked a critical milestone in the company’s journey toward petrochemical integration.

His contributions extend beyond project execution to strategic transformation. Khanna has led multiple initiatives involving the establishment of new process units across BPCL’s refineries, enhancing productivity, improving value realisation, and enabling the adoption of advanced technologies. His leadership has consistently focused on building resilience and competitiveness within the organisation.

In addition to his operational responsibilities, Khanna plays an active role in shaping the broader energy ecosystem. He serves on the boards of several key organisations, including Petronet LNG Limited and Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, contributing to the integration of India’s energy value chain. He is also the Chairperson of the Technical Committee for Petroleum Refineries under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, where he supports policy development and technical advancements in the refining sector.

BPCL, one of India’s largest integrated energy companies, operates across both upstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry. With refineries located in Mumbai, Kochi, and Bina, the company has a combined refining capacity of over 35 million metric tonnes per annum. Its extensive marketing and distribution network includes more than 25,000 fuel stations, thousands of LPG distributorships, and a rapidly expanding footprint in alternative energy solutions.

As the company looks ahead, sustainability remains a central pillar of its strategy. BPCL has committed to becoming a net zero energy company by 2040 in its operational emissions, while simultaneously expanding its presence in cleaner energy solutions such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure. With thousands of EV charging stations already operational, the company is actively building an ecosystem that supports India’s transition to greener energy.

Khanna’s leadership is expected to further accelerate these efforts, with a focus on value added products, petrochemical integration, and long term energy security. His deep industry knowledge and proven track record position him well to guide BPCL through a phase of transformation that balances growth with sustainability.

As BPCL enters this new chapter, the appointment of Sanjay Khanna underscores the importance of experienced leadership in navigating complexity and driving innovation. With a clear vision and a strong operational foundation, the company is poised to strengthen its role as a key player in India’s energy future while continuing to energise lives across the nation.