In Short : S. M. Ramanathan has been appointed as Director (Engineering, R\&D) at BHEL, effective April 30, 2025. With 37 years at BHEL, he has held leadership roles across key units and previously served as Executive Director. An IIT Madras alumnus and turbine design innovator, Ramanathan brings deep technical expertise and a proven track record in engineering and research.
In Detail : S. M. Ramanathan has been appointed as the Director (Engineering, Research & Development) at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), effective from April 30, 2025. This new role will see him overseeing the company’s engineering and R\&D functions, contributing to its long-standing efforts to lead in the field of heavy electricals and power generation equipment.
Ramanathan brings with him a wealth of experience, having spent 37 years at BHEL. Over the years, he has worked across several critical functions and has been at the helm of significant operations, particularly in key manufacturing units like those in Tiruchirappalli, Ranipet, and Bhopal.
Before his appointment as Director, he served as Executive Director, where he played an instrumental role in managing the company’s R\&D activities and overseeing the heavy electrical plant in Bhopal. His leadership in these areas has been crucial to the development of advanced technologies and products at BHEL.
Ramanathan holds an M.Tech in Stress and Vibration Analysis from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. His strong educational background, combined with his extensive experience, positions him to make valuable contributions to BHEL’s engineering and R\&D divisions. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.
Throughout his career, Ramanathan has been recognized for his work in the field of turbine design, an area in which he has contributed several innovations. Notably, he holds a patent for a turbine design, further cementing his role as a key innovator in the industry.
With his deep expertise and leadership capabilities, S. M. Ramanathan’s appointment as Director of Engineering, R\&D is expected to further strengthen BHEL’s position as a leader in the power and heavy electrical sectors, driving advancements and innovations in line with the company’s strategic goals.
