Eleven Contenders Battle for Top Job at Engineers India Limited

 The search for the next leader of Engineers India Limited (EIL) has entered its final, high-stakes phase. According to grapevine, the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has finalized its shortlist of candidates for the prestigious role of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), with interviews expected to be scheduled within the month.​

The list of contenders reveals a competitive mix of seasoned internal executives and prominent leaders from other major public sector undertakings, setting the stage for a closely watched selection process.

The shortlist prominently features a strong contingent of internal candidates, suggesting a deep bench of leadership talent within Engineers India Limited. Among those vying for the top job are two of the company’s current directors, Atul Gupta (Commercial) and Rupesh Kumar Singh (Human Resources). They are joined by three of EIL’s Executive Directors: Upendra Kumar Verma (Technical), Dronamraju Sreeman Narayana Murthy, and KY Malleshwarappa, who also holds the role of Chief Operating Officer.​

The competition also includes a formidable lineup of external candidates from other major PSUs. Deepak Gupta, the Director (Projects) at GAIL, and his colleague Ajay Tripathi, an Executive Director at the gas giant, are on the list. The field is rounded out by Rajesh Kumar Singh, the current CMD of Bridge and Roof Company; Manoj Kumar Sharma and Dr. Ajit Kumar Thakur, both Executive Directors at IOCL; and Dr. Pudi Hariprasad from the Indian Railways Accounts Service.​

This selection is more than a routine leadership change; it is a pivotal moment for the Navratna company. The chosen candidate will be tasked with steering EIL through an increasingly competitive global market, driving innovation, and securing its future growth. The road to the shortlist was reportedly fierce, with more than two dozen professionals initially applying for the position.​

Industry insiders are closely monitoring the developments, as the new CMD’s vision will directly shape the strategic direction of the engineering behemoth for years to come. The upcoming interviews will not only assess the candidates' extensive experience but also their strategic blueprint for EIL's future