Bontha Prasad Rao

Independent Director

Bontha Prasad Rao, aged 65, is a Mechanical Engineering Graduate from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada. He is a Post Graduate in Industrial Engineering from NITIE, Mumbai. Rao has served as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), India till 31st December 2015. During a career spanning more than 37 years, Mr- Rao handled various assignments and has diversified, versatile and varied experience both in strategic and operational areas in all business segments of BHEL. He has held many senior level positions in BHEL and was elevated to the Board of BHEL in 2007.

Experience

In 2009, he served as the Chairman & Managing Director of BHEL. Mr- Rao laid the foundation for diversifying BHEL into non-power businesses such as Railway Transportation, Defence Equipment, etc. Forbes magazine ranked BHEL at No. 9 on the World’s Most Innovative Companies list in July 2011. He has been the Chairman of the CII Public Sector Enterprises Council and was on the Board of Governors of IIM, Kashipur.