BIO

Shri S M Ramanathan is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from IIT Madras, with an M. Tech in Stress and Vibration Analysis and ICWA (Cost Accounts). He is also a Fellow member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.

Shri Ramanathan started his career with BHEL as an Engineer Trainee in the company’s High-Pressure Boiler Plant, Tiruchirappalli, in 1988 through campus placement and was awarded the Best Engineer Trainee award in 1989.

He was instrumental in refining and designing of Hydro Turbines using IT tools and mathematical techniques leading to savings in cost and cycle time. Shri Ramanathan presented many technical papers in Indian and International forums. He had a Turbine patent to his name. He has also been awarded EXCEL award under UTKRISHTA (innovation) category, the highest recognition in BHEL.

Shri Ramanathan has 38 years of diverse and extensive experience across many major functions of the company, which include Engineering, Design, R&D, Strategic Management and diverse areas of Operations including Commercial, Materials Management, Maintenance, Production, Technology adoption, Field Engineering Services, etc. as well as different core areas of Finance in various capacities across the entire value chain in BHEL’s manufacturing units at Ranipet, Tiruchirappalli and Bhopal.

Prior to this elevation, Shri Ramanathan was offering his services as Executive Director (OSD - E, R&D) at BHEL’s Corporate Office, New Delhi along with heading Heavy Electrical Plant (HEP) at Bhopal as additional charge. Earlier he functioned as Executive Director and in-charge of High-Pressure Boiler Plant (HPBP) at Tiruchirappalli and Boiler Auxiliaries Plant (BAP) at Ranipet and subsequently as ED (HEP) Bhopal giving him the unique distinction of heading the top three revenue grossers of the corporation leading to successful turnaround in performance and consistently setting many milestones in the process of growth.

He has completed the IICA–NFRA Director’s Certification for Audit Committee Members and qualified the Independent Director’s Databank proficiency assessment conducted by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), enhancing his capabilities in corporate governance, strategic vision, financial reporting, compliance, audit functions, risk management and effective board functioning.

He also brings a strong orientation towards digital transformation and emerging technologies, including AI-driven solutions, leveraging them to enhance operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making and innovation across the organisation.

Shri Ramanathan is known for his dynamic and result-driven leadership, inspiring his team with energy and driving efficiency at all levels. His extensive experience in the initial phase across various functions of BHEL units, including Hydro Turbines, Steam Turbines, Switchgears, FGD & Water Systems, Spares, Outsourcing, Central Planning, Digital Technologies and Finance has equipped him with sharp market insights. This enables him to effectively analyze trends, develop market-ready products and capabilities and contribute to strategic planning. His forward-thinking research-oriented approach is focused on staying competitive and future-ready in a rapidly evolving business landscape.