Kiran G V

A Mini-Ratna PSU under the Government of India’s Ministry of Steel, KIOCL operates a 3.5 MTPA pellet plant and a 2.16 LTPA pig iron plant in Mangalore. Within this role, I am responsible for comprehensive management of the company’s operations, encompassing strategic planning, financial oversight, and operational execution to ensure alignment with business objectives and industry standards. A key focus is on driving cost-effective innovation to optimize production processes and enhance environmental sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. My responsibilities also extend to leading initiatives that strengthen KIOCL’s position in the global iron ore pelletization market. This involves analysing market trends, identifying growth opportunities, and implementing strategies to expand market share and competitive advantage, including exploring international partnerships and export avenues. Additionally, I head the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, concentrating on sustainable development, environmental conservation, and community engagement. Through these initiatives, I work to foster positive relationships with local communities, support education and infrastructure projects, and promote social welfare programs that contribute to long-term, sustainable growth aligned with KIOCL’s values and objectives

Oversaw plant operations and spearheaded upcoming projects, implementing strategies to optimise production processes, achieving substantial cost savings and productivity gains. Key accomplishments include commissioning vertical pressure filters and securing government approval for the Devadari Mines Project, covering mining operations and the establishing of beneficiation plants

Led implementing projects for forward and backward integration of the blast furnace, encompassing coke ovens, power plant, PCI, and ductile iron spun pipe systems. Oversaw all upcoming projects for the existing pellet plant, managing contract awards for operations, modifications, and upgrades, including capacity enhancement initiatives

Appointed as Unit Head of ProMinerals Pvt Ltd, part of Essel Mining under the Aditya Birla Group, with responsibility for a pioneering 1 MTPA circular grate pellet plant located in Basantpur, Odisha—the first of its kind provided by Primetals Technologies, Austria

Served as Chief of Central Maintenance Services at ESSAR Steel Ltd in Paradeep, Odisha, overseeing a facility that included a 6 MTPA pellet plant, an 8 MTPA beneficiation plant, and a 153 km slurry pipeline linking Dabuna to Paradeep

Established in 2006, BRPL manufactures and sells iron ore pellets. The company owns plants for pellet production (4 mtpa) and iron ore beneficiation (4.7 mtpa), and a 230 km long slurry pipeline connecting the two plants. M/sJSW Techno and M/sTriveni Earthmovers jointly acquired 49% each from UK-based Moorgate Industries (Formerly STEMCOR Group). The company is taken over by M/s JSW & M/s Triveni Earthmovers jointly in Feb 2018

Business Leadership Built a high-performing team of seven functional heads as MD, refining processes and sourcing strategies, and expanding market potential domestically and internationally, particularly in Europe and Japan. Supported restructuring measures for the company’s sale to M/s JSW Techno Projects and M/s Thriveni Earthmovers. Demonstrated growth potential by boosting monthly capacity utilisation from 35% to 70%, achieving the company’s first standalone profit in 2017Developed and implemented strategies to optimise P&L, business planning, HR, and operations, ensuring the pellet complex's smooth and profitable performance. Led CAPEX and OPEX budgeting, achieved commercial targets, and maintained full statutory compliance. Supervised a team of 200 direct and 800 indirect employees with minimal impact from industrial relations issues

Greenfield Project Management Led a phased project execution from 2007 to 2013, commissioning the pellet plant in 2011 and the full complex in 2013. Successfully managed operations through global steel industry challenges and delays from parent company restructuring. Established a framework for zero-defect production with ISO, 5S, and TQM standards, full HSE compliance, and adherence to the Labour Act, implementing robust policies, processes, and SOPs to minimise waste and maximise production quality

Led the erection and commissioning of high-capacity pelletization (8 MTPA) and iron ore beneficiation (8 MTPA) plants across two separate locations, with full oversight of the construction of a 267 km cross-country slurry pipeline connecting both facilities

Installed Lurgi’s advanced Traveling Grate process and cutting-edge equipment, including vacuum filters, slurry pumps, roller mills, ball mills, compressors, and a port-handling system. Implemented productivity-enhancing measures to optimize the entire processing workflow

Directed comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) functions, incorporating preventive maintenance strategies, robust quality management systems, and stringent HSE standards. Proactively resolved bottlenecks to streamline the pelletization process, ensuring high efficiency and seamless operations

Oversaw the port and jetty operations, along with the material-handling system, at a gas-based sponge iron plant in Hazira. This included coordinating the transport, loading, and unloading of materials to ensure efficient and seamless operations aligned with production requirements