In the bustling corridors of India’s energy sector, one name stands out as a beacon of leadership and innovation Arun Kumar Singh. As the Chairman and CEO of the Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Singh has taken the helm of India’s largest oil and gas exploration and production company with a mission to secure the nation’s energy future. Appointed on December 7, 2022, his journey from a small-town engineering student to the top of a Maharatna PSU is a tale of grit, expertise, and an unrelenting drive to transform challenges into opportunities. With nearly four decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, Singh’s story is one of soaring ambition, strategic brilliance, and a deep-rooted commitment to India’s growth. Let’s dive into the life of this dynamic leader who’s reshaping ONGC’s legacy.
Roots in Resilience: A Small-Town Beginning
Arun Kumar Singh was born in the early 1960s in Bihar, India a state known for its rich history and industrious spirit. Growing up in a modest household, Singh’s early years were shaped by a blend of simplicity and determination. While specific details of his childhood remain private, it’s easy to imagine a young Arun, curious and driven, excelling in his studies amidst the vibrant chaos of small-town life. His academic journey led him to the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Patna, where he pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Graduating at the top of his class, Singh didn’t just earn a degree he forged a foundation for a career that would span continents and redefine energy leadership.
Those early days in Bihar instilled in him a practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving qualities that would later become his trademark. With a mind sharpened by engineering and a heart fueled by ambition, Singh set his sights on a future where he could make a tangible impact. Little did he know, the oil and gas industry was about to become his proving ground.
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A Career Ignites: The BPCL Years
Singh’s professional odyssey began in the mid-1980s, when he stepped into the dynamic world of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Maharatna PSU and Fortune Global 500 company. Over the next 38 years, he didn’t just climb the corporate ladder he built it, rung by rung, with a blend of technical expertise and strategic vision. Starting in operational roles, Singh quickly proved his mettle, tackling the complexities of retail, LPG, pipelines, and supply chain optimization with a keen eye for efficiency.
By the early 2000s, his leadership shone brighter as he took on senior roles. One standout chapter was his tenure as President (Africa & Australasia) at Bharat PetroResources Ltd., a wholly-owned BPCL subsidiary focused on overseas oil and gas exploration. Stationed far from home, Singh expanded BPCL’s global footprint, navigating uncharted territories with a boldness that earned him respect across the industry. His ability to blend technical know-how with international business acumen set him apart as a leader ready for bigger challenges.
In October 2018, Singh’s ascent reached new heights when he was appointed Director (Marketing) at BPCL. Here, he transformed the company’s marketing strategies, driving growth in a competitive landscape. Just three years later, in September 2021, he took the reins as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), steering BPCL through a pivotal period until his retirement in October 2022 at the age of 60. Under his watch, BPCL solidified its status as a powerhouse, and Singh’s reputation as a transformative leader was cemented.
A Second Act: Taking the Helm at ONGC
Retirement, for most, marks the end of a career. For Arun Kumar Singh, it was a launchpad. In a historic move, the Indian government relaxed age criteria to appoint him Chairman of ONGC on December 7, 2022 making him the first retired executive to lead a Maharatna PSU. The decision wasn’t just bold; it was a testament to Singh’s unparalleled expertise. ONGC, India’s largest oil and gas producer, had been without a full-time head since Shashi Shanker’s exit in March 2021. Singh’s arrival filled that void with a thunderclap of purpose.
On January 24, 2023, the ONGC Board took it a step further, naming him Chief Executive Officer (CEO) alongside his Chairman role a dual mantle that underscored his mandate to lead with authority. His three-year tenure, set to run until at least December 2025, is a high-stakes mission to revitalize ONGC, a company that accounts for 70% of India’s crude oil and 84% of its natural gas production. From day one, Singh hit the ground running, holding video conferences with directors and senior executives, rallying them around a vision of energy security and innovation.
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Shaking Up the Status Quo: Leadership with a Purpose
Singh’s leadership style is anything but conventional. At ONGC, he’s been a whirlwind of change, pushing for reforms that ruffle feathers but promise progress. In April 2023, he sparked headlines with a virtual town hall, urging senior executives over 50—35-40% of the workforce to step aside and nurture younger talent. “If you are a big tree, small plants will not grow under you,” he said, echoing JFK’s famous call to service: “Ask not what ONGC can do for you, but what you can do for ONGC.” The move, advised by McKinsey’s restructuring counsel, drew ire from some veterans but signaled Singh’s intent to build a nimble, future-ready organization.
His vision extends beyond internal shake-ups. As Chairman of ONGC and its group companies ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), ONGC Petro additions Limited (OPaL), and the ONGC Energy Centre Trust (OECT) Singh is steering a conglomerate with interests in exploration, refining, petrochemicals, power, and renewables. He’s championed energy transition initiatives, aligning ONGC with India’s climate goals while tackling the challenge of declining output from aging fields like Mumbai High. His strategic foresight is turning ONGC into an anchor for India’s energy ambitions.
A Global Player: From Patna to the World Stage
Singh’s influence isn’t confined to India. His international experience particularly with Bharat PetroResources in Africa and Australasia has given him a global lens. At ONGC Videsh, he oversees 32 oil and gas assets across 15 countries, driving production that hit 12.33 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent in FY 2021-22. His past roles, including Chairman of Indraprastha Gas Ltd. (IGL) and board member of Petronet LNG Ltd., showcase his ability to juggle diverse portfolios, from city gas distribution to liquefied natural gas.
A mechanical engineer by training, Singh’s technical roots inform his leadership. He’s not just a suit in the boardroom he’s a problem-solver who understands the nuts and bolts of the industry. Whether it’s optimizing pipelines at BPCL or pushing enhanced oil recovery schemes at ONGC, his hands-on approach has delivered results time and again.
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The Man Behind the Mission
Who is Arun Kumar Singh beyond the titles? A private man, he keeps his personal life out of the spotlight, letting his work speak for itself. Married with a family, he balances the demands of leadership with a grounded demeanor that colleagues describe as both inspiring and approachable. His journey from NIT Patna to the C-suite reflects a relentless work ethic, but also a humility born from his Bihar roots.
Singh’s tenure at BPCL and ONGC has been marked by bold decisions some controversial, all impactful. His push for youth over seniority at ONGC stirred debate, but it’s a gamble rooted in his belief that fresh ideas are the lifeblood of progress. As he navigates the complexities of a post-pandemic energy landscape, Singh remains a steady hand, guiding ONGC through climate challenges, technological shifts, and the quest for sustainable growth.
A Legacy in Motion
As of April 4, 2025, Arun Kumar Singh is midway through his ONGC tenure, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With India’s energy demands soaring and global pressures mounting, his leadership is a linchpin in the nation’s quest for self-reliance. From revitalizing brownfields to expanding green energy ventures, Singh’s imprint is already reshaping ONGC’s trajectory.
His story is one of defiance defying retirement norms, defying stagnation, defying the odds. Arun Kumar Singh isn’t just a chairman; he’s a catalyst, a man who sees beyond the horizon and dares to take India there. As he flies the flag of ONGC, one thing is clear: this is no ordinary leader, and his legacy will burn bright in the annals of India’s energy saga.
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