The refinery, petrochemical, and fueling operations being full of hazards were considered as unfit for the women. Sukla Mistry, a dynamic leader in petrochemical operations, becoming the first women functional director of refineries on the IndianOil Board has proved that manufacturing is more of skills and intellect rather than gender.
From a male-dominated industry to the equity approach, manufacturing nowadays is acing new pillars in growth with women leaders. With leadership and intellect, they are shining the light on the impact that ‘womanufacturing’ is making in the industries. First time in its history Indian Oil Corporation, India’s largest Oil Refining, and Downstream Petroleum Industries appoints Sukla Mistry as a full-time Director (Refineries). She will be taking the charge of Refining business and operations of the Indian Oil Corporation.
With 35 years of experience in Refining and Petrochemicals, Sukla Mistry is Metallurgical Engineer from Bengal Engineering College, Calcutta University. She also holds an Advanced Diploma in Management from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI). Holding multiple roles at refineries industries, Ms Mistry, a 58-year old woman takes up the charge of fueling the industries with women empowerment.
Speaking on her achievement, Sukla Mistry said, “The position of Director, Refineries places a great responsibility on me for taking positive strides for our country & corporation with the commitment of ‘Pehle Indian, Phir Oil (First Indian then Oil).’ Adding more to her commitment towards her precious role in the IOC, she said, ‘I am blessed with a precious wealth of experience, knowledge, leaders in my team to achieve this goal.”
Women: Meant for diverse manufacturing roles
Deserving more than the supportive roles on the shop floor, Women hold the strength of leading multiple complex manufacturing operations. Ms Mistry, as an exemplifying example of this, is holding multiple roles in the refinery and petrochemical industries.
She will also continue to hold her role as Nominee Director of Indian Oil on the Board of Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd. Also, she is the director of 60 MMTPA at Ratnagiri Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd, which is the world’s largest upcoming refinery project in Maharashtra. Additionally, she is the non-executive director on the board of IHB Limited, the joint venture company of three leading Oil and Refinery public sector units.
Speaking on the significant step, S M Vaidya, Chairman, IndianOil termed it as the red-letter day for the Indian Oil and Indian Energy Fraternity. “Ms Mistry is a trendsetter and has broken multiple glass ceilings through her dynamic leadership & focus on excellence. I wish her all the best,” he said.
It is not just this time when Ms Mistry has inspired women in manufacturing. Earlier, Ms Mistry was also the first woman in IndianOil to hold the position of Refinery Head of an IndianOil Refinery Unit at the Begusarai region of Bihar. She also headed the Digboi Refinery, Assam, and later at Barauni Refinery, Bihar.
As stated in the insights, there have been various achievements under her leadership such as the implementation of the Mega BS-6 projects and the roll-out of the BS-6 grade fuel from the refinery much before the expected timeline. Also, she headed the supply of ethanol-blended petrol and XP-100 petrol and sourcing of reformates from other refineries to accomplish the set up of the continuous catalytic reforming unit.
In addition to this, Ms Mistry has also showcased her determined efforts at Panipat Refinery with Engineers India Ltd. She played a critical role in setting up India’s largest Naptha Cracker Complex including its state-of-art plant and Styrene Butadiene Rubber Project of Indian Rubber Private Ltd at Panipat Refinery.
Sanjay Gupta, Former Chairman, and Managing Director, Engineers India Ltd stated, “This is a huge achievement. It’s wonderful to witness a dynamic lady being rewarded for her grit, determination, and perseverance. The memories of working together at Panipat Refinery remain a cherished association. Recalling you coming out of reactors and columns late at night is still fresh in our minds. He also wished Ms Mistry to excel in your renewed higher responsibilities in IndianOil Board.
She was the only Indian Woman selected for the deputation of Qatar Petroleum in April 2004 and Emirates National Oil Company, Dubai in March 2002 for the successful execution of the mega linear Alkaline Benzene Project and plant turn-around inspection.
Sukla Mistry has won many awards like those of ET Prime Women Manufacturing & Operational Leadership Award, 2021, SCOPE Award for Outstanding Woman Manager, 2016-17, Petrotech Ojaswini Award 2016, and Petrofed Best Woman Executive Award 2009. Under the leadership of Ms Mistry, IndianOil is expecting to set up new benchmarks in the Refinery Industries, with her rich experience in Petrochemicals and Refinery Industries.
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