interview2019 
Soma Mondal has become the first-ever woman chairperson and managing director of the Indian state-owned company, the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). She was chosen by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB). In competition, she was pitted against NALCO’s finance director Sridhar Patra.
The entire Bhubaneshwar takes pride in her daughter, who times and again has proved the merits of her roots and will power. She is the first woman Chairperson of a steel company not only in India but anywhere in the world. Before it, she was serving as the commercial director of SAIL and NALCO.
A 1984 batch electrical engineer graduate, steadily with her determination has won the selection board through her unmatched ignition in the Aluminium world.
The current chairman of SAIL, Anil Chaudhry who joined the post in September 2018 is due to retire this year. After the nod of the Prime Minister led Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), she will take responsibility for her post from 1st January 2021, and will serve till 30th April 2023.
She did her electrical engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela and joined NALCO as a graduate engineer trainee in 1984. She actively participated in the various project implementation activities as a part of the technology cell.
Her active involvement in formulating marketing strategies of different NALCO products in the domestic as well as the international market has made her a well-recognized figure in the aluminium industry.
Her active participation in the launch of new products speaks volumes about her dedication and zeal. Under her guidance, several systemic improvement initiatives were implemented in Marketing and Materials Management functions at NALCO.
SAIL has performed brilliantly in revenues under the chairmanship of Anil Chaudhry. Thus the new responsibility would be a challenge for Soma Mondal when the company is diligently looking to increase India’s per capita consumption which stands at just 3 kg compared with the global average of 11 kg.
Her leadership would be demanding the company’s expectation to double the aluminium capacity and increase its consumption in the country.
Written By Tushant Baranwal
Image Source: Google
