Team News Riveting
Rourkela, January 13
Alok Verma on Monday assumed the charge of Director In-Charge of Rourkela Steel Plant, the Odisha-based entity of state-run Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
A B Tech in Mechanical Engineering from BIT Sindri, (Ranchi University), Verma started his career at Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), a unit of Steel Authority of India Limited in the Year 1991 as Management Trainee (Technical).
Over his 32-year long tenure at Bokaro, Verma played a crucial role in the timely completion of projects in Rolling mills in 1997, 2007, 2015 and 2023. A certified six sigma black belt, he accomplished many key assignments other than operations of the Mills. These include ERP implementation, six sigma certification, patenting of technical design of hot rolling coiling operations and invention of three new products. These contributions significantly enhanced the product quality, production volume, and operational efficiency of the Rolling Mills.
Verma worked ardently with the business analytics division on product mix optimization, and accordingly identifying investment needs as well as proactive analysis of business information to customize production as per market trends.
In July 2023, Verma was promoted as Executive Director and was assigned the responsibility for the Mines of Rourkela Steel Plant. He played a crucial role in seamlessly integrating the systems of the newly formed Odisha Group of Mines with Rourkela Steel Plant. Under his adept leadership, manganese mining resumed in Bolani after a hiatus of nearly 40 years and in fiscal year 2023-24, the Odisha Group of Mines achieved record iron ore production of 14.30 million tons. Verma’s ability to synthesize complex information and make informed decisions has been instrumental in dispatch of dump fines from Bolani and tailings from Barsua to external agencies for pellet conversion. He also oversaw the installation and operationalization of a tertiary crusher for oversize lump control at Bolani Ores Mines.
On 30th September, 2024, Verma assumed the additional responsibility of ED (Works) of RSP. He then served as ED In-Charge (Works) of Rourkela Steel Plant from November 15, 2024, until he took over as Director In-Charge.
His unwavering commitment to excellence and his dedication to flawless execution have earned him a reputation as a leader who sets the bar high and brings in a culture of continual improvements. He was a member of the team in Management Business Simulations competitions and won the National Championship, besides winning the Asian Champions to participate in the Global Contest representing our country India.
A widely traveled technocrat, he has visited countries across the globe including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and China, thereby gaining valuable insights into steel manufacturing technology.
