Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy appoints Alois Virag as its new CEO

Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy, formerly Essar Oil, has appointed Alois Virag as its new CEO, replacing B Anand.


Virag joins Nayara Energy after his last assignment as Senior Vice President - Downstream for Middle East and Asia at OMV, an Austrian Multinational oil and gas company, Nayara said in a statement.


He will start from April 1, which is when B Anand will move to a new role as president within the company and will be responsible for developing strategic partnerships in the Indian energy market, strengthening engagement with stakeholders including government and policy-makers, and accelerating the sustainability initiatives of the company, the company said.

“Virag’s expertise in leading numerous and complex capital projects, turnarounds, digitalization initiatives along with prior experience in fuel marketing and retail make him a great fit for steering Nayara Energy’s growth plans,” Tony Fountain, Executive Chairman of Nayara Energy said.

Both Virag and Anand will report to the board.

“India is the most attractive growth market in the world,” Virag said. “Backed by strong shareholders, Nayara is a key player in India, providing the energy to fuel economic growth and wealth building in the country.”