S. M. Ramanathan, 58, has taken charge as Director (Engineering, Research & Development) at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) following his appointment to the company's Board.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. He started his career with BHEL as an Engineer Trainee in the company’s High Pressure Boiler Plant (HPBP), Tiruchirappalli, in 1988 and was awarded the Best Engineer Trainee award in 1989.Ramanathan has 37 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, 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, Ramanathan was Executive Director (OSD - E, R&D) at BHEL’s Corporate Office along with heading the company’s Heavy Electrical Plant (HEP) at Bhopal. Earlier in Nov. ‘23, he was promoted as Executive Director and in-charge of HPBP, Tiruchirappalli and Boiler Auxiliaries Plant, Ranipet and subsequently as ED (HEP) in Jan. ‘24 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 was instrumental in refining and designing of Hydro Turbines using IT tools and mathematical techniques leading to savings in cost and cycle time. Ramanathan presented many technical papers in Indian and International forums. He had a Turbine patent to his name and has also been awarded the company’s Excel award under the Innovation category.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 analyse trends, develop market-ready products and capabilities and contribute to strategic planning. His forward-thinking research-oriented approach will position BHEL to stay competitive and future-ready in a rapidly evolving business landscape.