ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has announced a leadership transition with Chief Executive Officer Dilip Oommen set to retire on June 30, following more than two decades of service with the organisation, including his tenure during its earlier phase as Essar Steel. Oommen, who has served as CEO for the past seven years, will continue to be associated with the company as a Board member. He will also take on the role of Vice-Chairman of ArcelorMittal India Private Limited, representing the interests of ArcelorMittal in the country.
The company has appointed Amit Harlalka, currently Chief Financial Officer, as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1. The appointment reflects a focus on continuity and operational familiarity as the company advances into its next phase of growth.
Harlalka joined AM/NS India in December 2019 and has held key leadership roles in the finance function, including his current position as CFO since January 2023. Prior to joining the company, he spent several years within the ArcelorMittal Group, gaining international experience across markets such as Mexico, Bosnia, and Luxembourg. His professional journey began at Hindustan Unilever Limited. He is a chartered accountant and holds an MBA in finance from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. In addition to his new role, he has been appointed to the ArcelorMittal Group Management Committee.
The transition marks the conclusion of a significant chapter under Oommen’s leadership, during which the company navigated a period of transformation and established a strong foundation for future expansion. His tenure has been characterised by operational stability and the strengthening of stakeholder confidence during a time of structural change in the business.
The incoming CEO is expected to build on this foundation, with a focus on scaling operations, maintaining safety standards, and advancing ongoing expansion initiatives. The company continues to pursue growth opportunities across steel production and related sectors, supported by a long-term strategic vision.
This leadership change underscores AM/NS India’s commitment to strong governance, continuity, and future readiness, as it positions itself to meet evolving industry demands and contribute to India’s industrial growth ambitions. AM/NS India is further expanding its portfolio with plans to establish a new value-added steel line for the automotive sector, expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2025. This move aims to reduce reliance on imports from countries like South Korea, where many automakers currently source their steel.
The company is on track to almost double its production capacity in India from the current 8.5 million tonnes to 15.6 million tonnes by the end of next year, with plans to further increase this to 24 million tonnes. Earlier this year, AM/NS announced its intention to construct the world’s largest single integrated steel plant in Hazira, solidifying its commitment to scaling up operations.
