Dr. Salim G Purushothaman Assumes Charge as Director (Operations) at RINL
In a significant leadership shift at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), Dr. Salim G Purushothaman has assumed the role of Director (Operations). RINL is the corporate entity behind the renowned Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, one of the largest and most critical steel producers in India. With a wealth of experience in the steel and energy sectors, Dr. Purushothaman’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in the plant’s journey towards operational excellence and growth.
1. Dr. Salim G Purushothaman’s Background and Qualifications
Dr. Salim G Purushothaman is a Mechanical Engineer, with a doctorate obtained in 2024 from Lincoln University College, Malaysia. His deep-rooted expertise in the field of mechanical engineering combined with his academic credentials offers him a unique edge in overseeing operations at RINL, a company that relies heavily on innovation and technical expertise.
Dr. Purushothaman’s career began in 1988 at SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) in Bokaro, where he started as a Management Trainee (Technical). He worked in thermal power plants, an area of expertise that laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors in energy management and industrial operations.
2. Dr. Purushothaman’s Contributions to RINL
Dr. Purushothaman joined RINL in 1996, where he quickly became known for his technical acumen. One of his standout achievements at RINL was his contribution to the import substitution of high-value Russian spares for boilers and turbines. This initiative, which improved the self-sufficiency of the plant, marked a significant achievement in terms of both cost-saving and reliability of operations.
Dr. Purushothaman was also a vital member of the core team of the NEDO (New Energy & Industrial Technology Development Organisation, Japan)-led Indo-Japanese collaboration plant, working on cutting-edge technology development. His involvement in this project enhanced the technological foundation of RINL’s operations and supported the company’s global competitive edge.
In recognition of his excellence, Dr. Salim was honored with the Jawaharlal Nehru Award by the RINL management for his outstanding performance and contributions to the company’s growth and efficiency.
3. Energy Management and ISO Certification
As a certified BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) Energy Manager, Dr. Purushothaman has played an instrumental role in improving energy efficiency across operations at RINL. His key contribution led to the company successfully obtaining the ISO 50001 certification for energy management, a prestigious accreditation that underlines RINL’s commitment to sustainable practices and reducing its carbon footprint.
4. Leadership at Braithwaite & Company Limited (BCL)
Before rejoining RINL, Dr. Purushothaman was appointed Director (Production) at Braithwaite & Company Limited (BCL) in 2018. During his tenure, Dr. Purushothaman was instrumental in driving major updates and automation initiatives at BCL, a key player in the steel and rail industries. His efforts also focused on expanding BCL into new verticals, helping the company diversify its product offerings and improve market penetration.
Under his leadership, BCL’s productivity rose by over 200%, showcasing his capabilities in transforming companies and driving them toward sustainable growth.
Additionally, Dr. Purushothaman briefly served as Director (Finance) for a year and even took on the role of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) for a three-month period. His comprehensive leadership in both production and finance played a significant part in BCL’s strategic growth and modernization.
5. Vision for RINL
Now at the helm of RINL’s operations, Dr. Purushothaman is poised to take the company to new heights. With his wealth of experience in energy management, production, and automation, he is well-positioned to steer Visakhapatnam Steel Plant towards becoming an industry leader in both efficiency and sustainability.
Under his guidance, RINL is expected to see innovations that will enhance the steel production process, improve energy utilization, and potentially position the company as a major player in global steel markets.
Key Takeaways:
• New Appointment: Dr. Salim G Purushothaman has assumed the role of Director (Operations) at RINL, the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
• Mechanical Engineering Expertise: A Mechanical Engineer with a doctorate from Lincoln University College, Malaysia, Dr. Purushothaman brings extensive technical expertise to RINL.
• RINL Contributions: He has significantly contributed to import substitution of high-value Russian spares and was part of the NEDO-led Indo-Japanese collaboration.
• Energy Efficiency Leadership: Dr. Purushothaman was instrumental in helping RINL obtain the ISO 50001 certification for energy management.
• Leadership at Braithwaite & Company Limited: Prior to RINL, he contributed to Braithwaite & Company Limited, where he oversaw a 200% increase in productivity and initiated key automation projects.
• Industry Vision: Dr. Purushothaman is expected to drive technological innovation, improve operational efficiency, and ensure sustainability at RINL.
