New Delhi In a significant leadership development for Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Shri Manepalli Sridhar for appointment as Director (Human Resources). The recommendation was made during PESB Meeting No. 64/2026, held on July 28, 2026, after interviewing 11 candidates from leading public sector enterprises and government organizations.
Currently serving as Executive Director (Human Resources) at BHEL Corporate Office, New Delhi, Manepalli Sridhar emerged as the recommended candidate for one of the company’s most important board-level positions.
Experienced HR Leader Chosen for Top Role
With more than 34 years of service at BHEL, Manepalli Sridhar has built an extensive career in human resource management, industrial relations, organizational development, and workforce planning.
He joined BHEL in 1990 as an Engineer Trainee and steadily progressed through various leadership positions within the organization.
During his career, he has served as:
- General Manager & Head (Human Resources) at the Corporate Office.
- Executive Director (Human Resources) at BHEL Corporate Office.
His long association with the company has given him deep expertise in managing one of India’s largest public sector workforces while contributing to strategic HR initiatives and organizational transformation.
Competitive Selection Process
The Public Enterprises Selection Board interviewed 11 senior executives representing public sector enterprises and government organizations before recommending Manepalli Sridhar for the position.
Candidates Interviewed
- Shri Manepalli Sridhar – Executive Director (Human Resources), BHEL
- Shri Ajay Kumar – Executive Director (PEM, CPC & ISG), BHEL
- Shri Gowrishankar Chittimouj – General Manager (Operations, Works Engineering, HR & DTG), BHEL
- Shri Rajeev Krishna Srivastava – General Manager (HR), BHEL
- Shri Raju MVSN – General Manager (HR, Corporate Communications & Public Relations), BHEL
- Dr. (Mrs.) Sandhya Kar – General Manager (HR, Talent Acquisition, Corporate Communications & Public Relations, Medical), BHEL
- Shri Santosh Kumar Gupta – General Manager (HR), Heavy Electrical Equipment Plant (HEEP), Haridwar, BHEL
- Shri Venkataramanan G – Executive Director & Regional Head, Western Region Pipelines, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
- Shri Tekkam Sridhar – Senior Executive Director, Housing & Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO)
- Shri Atul Kumar Chaudhary – Senior Deputy Director General, Department of Telecommunications
- Shri Jignesh Thakorbhai Ray – General Manager (HR), Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL)
The selection process reflected a highly competitive field comprising experienced HR and management professionals from major public sector organizations.
Next Step: ACC Approval
Following the PESB recommendation, the proposal will now be forwarded to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for final approval.
Once approved by the ACC, Manepalli Sridhar will formally assume the position of Director (Human Resources) on the BHEL Board.
The position became vacant after the previous Director (HR) moved to another organization earlier this year.
Strategic Importance for BHEL
The appointment comes at an important time for BHEL, which is expanding its presence across several strategic sectors, including:
- Power Generation
- Renewable Energy
- Defence Manufacturing
- Industrial Engineering
- Transmission & Transportation Infrastructure
As Director (Human Resources), Manepalli Sridhar will be responsible for shaping the company’s human capital strategy, strengthening talent development, enhancing industrial relations, supporting workforce modernization, and aligning HR policies with BHEL’s long-term growth objectives.
Industry experts believe experienced HR leadership will play a critical role as the company continues to modernize operations and compete in rapidly evolving energy and infrastructure markets.
International Perspective
Commenting on the recommendation, Michael Anderson, an American public sector governance analyst, said:
“Promoting an experienced internal HR leader often ensures continuity, institutional knowledge, and a smoother leadership transition. For large engineering organizations such as BHEL, effective human resource management is fundamental to maintaining productivity, workforce engagement, and long-term competitiveness.“
Meanwhile, Jennifer Collins, a U.S.-based organizational leadership consultant, observed:
“Board-level Human Resources leadership has become increasingly strategic. Leaders with deep organizational experience are well positioned to guide workforce transformation, succession planning, talent development, and cultural change as companies adapt to new technologies and evolving business priorities.“
Key Highlights
- Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Shri Manepalli Sridhar for appointment as Director (Human Resources) of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).
- The recommendation was made during PESB Meeting No. 64/2026 held on July 28, 2026, after interviewing 11 candidates.
- Manepalli Sridhar currently serves as Executive Director (Human Resources) at BHEL Corporate Office, New Delhi.
- He joined BHEL as an Engineer Trainee in 1990 and brings more than 34 years of experience in human resources, industrial relations, and organizational development.
- The recommendation will now be submitted to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for final approval.
- Upon approval, he will assume the role of Director (Human Resources) on the BHEL Board, succeeding the previous incumbent.
- The appointment is expected to strengthen BHEL’s human resource strategy as the company continues expanding its operations in power generation, renewable energy, defence, and industrial engineering sectors.
