In a move to drive the strategy and growth of its energy investments, Essar Capital Ltd (ECL), the investment manager of Essar Global Fund Ltd (EGFL), has appointed B C Tripathi as the Non-Executive Chairman of Essar Exploration and Production Mauritius (EEPLM) and Board Member of Essar Oil UK Ltd (EOUKL).
EEPLM and EOUKL are key energy assets in ECL’s investment portfolio, together accounting for a substantial part of EGFL’s energy exposure. Tripathi’s induction signals EGFL’s renewed interest in the energy sector. He will drive the investment strategy and play a key role in providing strategic direction to EGFL. Tripathi, who was the Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL (India) for over a decade, is one of the foremost energy strategists in the country. He is credited with transforming GAIL into a multi-asset multi-national portfolio company.
“A person of Tripathi’s calibre is an invaluable addition to our leadership team. His exemplary track record in India’s energy sector will help EGFL grow and add significant value to our energy investments globally,” said Prashant Ruia, Director-Essar Capital.
“EGFL is among the only Indian funds whose investments straddle the entire hydrocarbon value chain, comprising upstream exploration and production, midstream refining and downstream retail globally. I look forward to contributing to the future direction of India’s oil and gas economy, in which Essar continues to be a key player,” said Mr Tripathi on his appointment.
EGFL has invested significantly in conventional and non-conventional oil and gas fields across the world through EEPLM, which manages these investments as an early stage developer. It has participating interests in conventional oil & gas acreages in India. Vietnam and Nigeria, with an overall resource base of 3.4 bboe (barrels of oil equivalent).
EEPLM, through its subsidiary Essar Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Ltd (EOGEPL), is India’s largest operator of unconventional hydrocarbon acreages located across key sedimentary basins in the country. These acreages have a resource base of 15 TCF (Trillion Cubic Feet) and includes both CBM (Coal Bed Methane) and shale reserves.
