SAIL’s Balasugumar Damniel Recommended as Next Director (Operations) of CCI

Balasugumar Damniel, currently Chief General Manager (Works) at Steel Authority of India Limited, has been recommended for the post of Director (Operations) at Cement Corporation of India Limited, a PSU under the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The recommendation of PESB (Public Enterprises Selection Board) came in on Friday following the selection meeting held the same day.

Damniel featured prominently as the first choice out of nine contenders. The panel had three executives from Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), two from SAIL, and one each from CCI, BCPL, HCL, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited. The interview process under PESB tested the candidate’s leadership capabilities, technical know-how, and operational vision for the job.

The Director (Operations) sits on the Board of Directors for CCI and will report directly to the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD). His mandate will encompass the entire operational activities of the company, including planning, production monitoring, strategic business development, quality assurance, modernization, and project management. The other areas where he will drive indigenization will be to enhance the domestic capabilities of CCI in its operations.

The appointment is happening at a critical time for CCI, which intends to gain market share and improve operational efficiency in India’s cement business. The company plays a salient role in infrastructure development through cement supply for large construction projects nationwide.

Damniel’s selection would mean an acute experience in SAIL, where he has held leadership positions in plant operations and industrial project execution. His experience will, therefore, be useful to CCI’s modernization endeavors while ensuring that the operational strategies align with the government’s push towards infrastructure growth and self-reliance in core industries.

With the PESB recommendations out now, a few official clearances will follow before the final appointment is made. Once in place, Mr. Damniel’s stewardship will be central to steering CCI toward operational redefinition for the next few years.