Mr. Punkaj Kumar Bajaj takes over as MD, SAIL, Durgapur Steel Plant

Mr. Punkaj Kumar Bajaj, has taken over as the new Managing Director of SAIL, Durgapur Steel Plant with effect from November 1, 2009. He took over charge from the outgoing Managing Director, Mr. V. Shyamsundar, in a ceremony held at Ispat Bhawan, Durgapur Steel Plant on October 31, 2009, evening. Before taking over as MD, SAIL, DSP, Mr. Bajaj was Executive Director, Operations and In-charge, Special Steels at SAIL Corporate Office.

A first class Metallurgical Engineer from the University of Rajasthan, Mr. Bajaj has had an illustrious career in SAIL. Starting with SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant in the year 1974, he worked in several departments like Production Planning and Control, Projects & Modernisation, etc. before moving over to Chairman’s Secretariat in the year 1992. After a stint in Corporate Office, Mr. Bajaj, moved to Bhilai Steel Plant as AGM, In-charge, PPC.  He was promoted as General Manager in the year 2001 and worked as  Head of Marketing and Strategic Planning.  He later took over as General Manager In-charge, Services and subsequently took over as Executive Director, Project Implementation, BSP, in the year 2005.  In 2007, Mr. Bajaj, again moved to Corporate Office of SAIL and worked in Chairman’s Secretariat and later as Executive Director, Operations and In-charge Special Steels.

Mr. Bajaj, is well known for his astute planning and co-ordination skills. His focus on operational efficiency and value added special steels have played an important role in the recast of the SAIL’s product basket in favour of special steels having higher net sales realization as well as providing a competitive advantage in a recessionary steel market. Mr. Bajaj is a firm believer in team work and lays emphasis on proactive working.  He is an ardent believer in pursuit of excellence with firm emphasis on sustainability and social accountability.