New Delhi (Staff Correspondent): Dr. Ashok Kumar Panda has taken charge as Director (Finance) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) on April 30, 2025. Dr. Panda began his career at SAIL in 1992 as a Management Trainee. During his career, Dr. Panda has worked in various capacities across various Plants and Units of SAIL. Widely regarded for his financial & technical knowledge and proactive approach, his expertise spans financial accounting, costing & budgeting, business planning, treasury operations, taxation and strategic management.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Panda has played a pivotal role in strengthening SAIL’s financial position, spearheading key initiatives including deleveraging efforts, cost optimization, rail pricing strategy, fixed asset sales policy, tax optimization, E-invoicing implementation and introducing digital invoicing across SAIL units to enhance transparency and efficiency among others. In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Dr. Panda has served as a Nominee Director on the boards of several joint ventures and subsidiary companies of SAIL, further strengthening the company’s financial governance.
Apart from his achievement in the Finance domain, he has major contributions in the areas of mining, plant operations, projects, etc. which has earned him laurels like the Jawahar Award 2012 for Excellence in Cost Management. He was also the Runner-up in the Chairman’s Trophy for Young Managers highlighting his leadership and problem solving skills at an early stage of his career. Dr. Panda has travelled extensively for the purpose of training programmes, business meets, etc. He has received numerous trainings from Foreign as well as Domestic institutions.
As SAIL continues to drive efficiency and innovation in the steel sector, Dr. Panda’s strategic vision and leadership in financial management will play a crucial role in enhancing profitability and competitiveness.
