A significant leadership change is on the cards at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited. Sources indicate that Chacko M. Jose, currently Executive Director and Head of Kochi Refinery, has emerged as the leading contender for the post of Director (Refineries) following the Public Enterprises Selection Board interview process.
The Director (Refineries) position has remained under the additional charge of CMD Sanjay Khanna since April 2026, after he took over as Chairman and Managing Director. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had further extended this arrangement in July.
Chacko brings over 35 years of hands-on experience across BPCL’s refining network. He previously headed the Bina Refinery and has held key roles in operations, technical services, projects, energy management and environment. His elevation, if confirmed, is expected to bring continuity and sharper operational focus to BPCL’s refining portfolio at a time when the company is pushing major expansion and petrochemical integration projects.
Final clearance from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet is still awaited. Industry observers see the development as an important step towards stabilising the leadership structure in one of India’s key Maharatna energy companies.
