Success Story of ES Ranganathan | A Visionary Leader

ES Ranganathan is a distinguished professional with over 34 years of expertise in India’s Oil and Gas sector, showcasing remarkable leadership and deep industry knowledge. His career, characterized by significant achievements and a strategic vision, has had a lasting impact on the sector. As the Director (Marketing) at GAIL (India) Limited, Mr. Ranganathan was instrumental in formulating and implementing corporate plans, policies, and strategies that maximized the organization’s profitability and efficiency.

Mr. Ranganathan’s professional journey reflects his dedication to producing, presenting, and managing business solutions in the Oil and Gas Industry. He has excelled in various areas, including Pipeline Projects, Operation and Maintenance, Business Information Systems, and Business Development. His ability to navigate complex and rapidly changing market conditions has been a key factor in his success.

In addition to his role as Director (Marketing) at GAIL, Mr. Ranganathan has held several prestigious non-executive positions. He served as the Chairman of Konkan LNG Limited (KLL), GAIL Global (Singapore) Pte. Limited (GGSPL) in Singapore, and Bengal Gas Company Limited. Furthermore, he has been a member of the Empowered Pool Management Committee (EPMC) and an Executive Member of the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA). Mr. Ranganathan has also contributed to industry organizations, such as the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) as the Chairman of the Hydrocarbon Committee and the Governing Council of the Fluid Control and Research Institute (FCRI).

Mr. Ranganathan’s strong focus on excellence is evident in his ability to build and motivate high-performance teams. His effective communication skills and relationship-building acumen have been crucial in successfully executing various initiatives across the gas value chain. He has cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders and effectively managed various joint ventures, subsidiaries, and affiliate companies.

His strategic vision has been pivotal in driving the implementation of key projects. He played a significant role in formulating and executing strategies for establishing LCNG and LNG stations, aligning with the Government of India’s initiative to promote LNG as a viable transportation fuel. His expertise has been vital in operationalizing GAIL’s LNG imports from multiple sources, ensuring efficient optimization and shipping arrangements.

Mr. Ranganathan’s career has been marked by extensive international exposure. He has traveled to countries such as Australia, Singapore, Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, Afghanistan, the Netherlands, China, South Africa, Russia, Poland, and Brazil for training, technical work, and business development purposes. These trips allowed him to engage with senior management teams and expand GAIL’s global presence.

A significant contribution by Mr. Ranganathan has been the development of city gas projects. This initiative has fueled the growth of India’s retail gas market and accelerated the adoption of CNG in automobiles and PNG in households. His leadership in city gas projects has been instrumental in promoting cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

During his tenure as Managing Director of Indraprastha Gas Ltd. (IGL), Mr. Ranganathan achieved notable accomplishments. He implemented customer management initiatives that reduced the number of pending complaints through the establishment of a task force. He introduced digital initiatives, such as a mobile application for CNG and PNG customers, multiple digital payment options, and ERP software to enhance operational efficiency. Under his leadership, IGL successfully promoted PNG connections, facilitated business development endeavors, and engaged in various corporate social responsibility initiatives.

In his role at GAIL, Mr. Ranganathan has displayed extensive expertise in gas management, operations, and maintenance, as well as pipeline projects across different regions of India. He played a key role in automating GAIL’s gas distribution business through the National Gas Management Center (NGMC) and regional centers. His involvement in major pipeline projects, including the Dahej Uran and Dabhol Panvel Pipelines (DUPL-DPPL), Dahej-Vijaipur Pipeline Project (DVPL), Vijaipur-Dadri Pipeline Project (VDPL), and Dadri Bawana Nangal pipeline (DBNPL), showcased his ability to manage complex and prestigious projects successfully.

Furthermore, Mr. ES Ranganathan has contributed to GAIL’s achievements through the commissioning of the Dabhol LNG facility and the development of a state-of-the-art meter proving facility at Hazira. His involvement in international projects and working groups focusing on pipeline systems, including the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline project and the development of a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) at Kakinada, highlights his global impact and strategic thinking.

His dedication to industry standards is evident through his participation in the coordination team responsible for finalizing Indian standards for metering design and construction under the Bureau of Indian Standards. This role underscores his commitment to maintaining high standards and promoting best practices within the industry.

Overall, Mr. ES Ranganathan’s vast experience, leadership abilities, strategic acumen, and extensive contributions to the oil and gas sector have positioned him as a highly respected and accomplished professional in the industry. His career reflects a dedication to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth, making him a significant figure in the global energy landscape.