Atul Gupta to Succeed Vartika Shukla as EIL CMD on early March
New Delhi, February 19, 2026 – Engineers India Limited (EIL), the Navratna engineering powerhouse, is set for a historic transition. Atul Gupta, currently serving as Director (Commercial), has been named the successor to Vartika Shukla, the company's first woman Chairperson & Managing Director.
The official change of guard will take place on March 1, 2026, following the superannuation of Ms. Shukla on February 28.
The Rise of Atul Gupta: A 30-Year Legacy
Atul Gupta isn’t just an executive; he is an EIL veteran. Having joined the company as a Management Trainee in 1992, his journey spans over three decades of core engineering and commercial excellence.
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Expertise: A Mechanical Engineer from GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Gupta has steered mega-projects in refineries, petrochemicals, and cross-country pipelines.
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Selection Process: He was recommended for the top post by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) in late 2025, beating out strong contenders from GAIL, IOCL, and internal EIL directors.
Also Read: Who Will Replace Gurdeep Singh as NTPC Chairman? Last Date Inside
Vartika Shukla’s Impactful Tenure
Mrs. Vartika Shukla leaves behind a robust legacy. Under her leadership since 2021, EIL:
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Expanded Internationally: Secured massive contracts like the $350M Dangote Refinery expansion in Nigeria.
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Pivoted to Green Energy: Positioned EIL as a key consultant for Green Hydrogen and Bio-fuels.
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Financial Growth: Led the company to record-high order books exceeding ₹13,000 crore in late 2025.
EIL vs. NTPC: Two Power Shifts in 2026
While NTPC is using a Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC) to find a new chief, EIL has successfully completed its transition through the PESB route. This highlights the government's dual approach: relying on internal promotion (EIL) while seeking a wider talent search (NTPC).
Industry Take: "With Atul Gupta at the helm, EIL is expected to accelerate its 'Total Energy Solutions' strategy, focusing heavily on decarbonization and global engineering consultancy."
