Experience

· 25+ years of deep technology focussed experience, with 10+ years in renewable fuel or related process domains, with at least 7-10 years in senior leadership roles.

• Deep expertise in biofuels, synthetic fuels (SAF), gasification, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, or Power-toLiquid (PtL) technologies, biomass-to-liquid (BtL) or electrofuels (e-fuels).

• Familiarity with carbon capture, green hydrogen production / integration, and circular economy strategies. International exposure and collaboration with technology licensors or regulatory bodies is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

· Develop and execute technology strategy aligned with the business strategy. Develop innovation roadmap for biomass-based SAF/e-SAF production for globally competitive products.

• Ensure technology selection aligns with cost-efficiency, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

• Guide the design, development, and commissioning of pilot/demonstration and commercial-scale plants.

• Collaborate with operations, business, and sustainability teams for seamless project execution.

• Drive R&D, process development, technology scouting, and integration of technologies. Plan, develop and execute projects to ensure RIL assets remain competitive.

• Develop partnerships with academic institutions, startups, and global technology providers.

• Assess global competitiveness through benchmarking.

• Represent the organization in conferences, forums as a technical thought leader.

• Support Platform Initiatives to develop digital tools for improving productivity of Site Teams.

• Build and mentor a high-performing technology team, fostering innovation and technical excellence.

• Establish the best practices and standards to ensure consistency for safe, efficient and reliable operations.

Core Competencies

· Deep technical expertise of thermochemical and biochemical pathways for SAF/E-SAF, including the design aspects. Exposure to syn gas production, methanol / ammonia synthesis will be helpful.

• Process scale-up from “pilot to commercial”, fluidized reactor design, process design, biomass handling and characterization and catalyst development. Identify risks and devise adequate mitigation measures.

• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership, sharp understanding of business drives.

• Strategic thinking and ability to balance innovation with commercial viability & timelines.

• Strong knowledge of regulations, lifecycle assessment (LCA), GHG reduction frameworks, fuel standards

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.