The final instalment in Energy Digital’s four-part Top 10 Leaders series, this week energy leaders in APAC are in the spotlight.
You can read up on the leading US energy executives here, with leaders in the UK and Europe celebrated here along with energy leaders in MEA here.
The Asia-Pacific region stands at the forefront of the global energy transition, facing unique challenges and opportunities.
With rapidly growing economies, increasing energy demand and a pressing need for sustainable solutions, APAC is poised to become a leader in clean energy innovation.
From established oil and gas giants pivoting towards renewables, to renewable-first businesses disrupting the sector, the region’s energy landscape is diverse and dynamic.
Here, we highlight 10 of the top energy leaders in APAC who are shaping this transformation.
10. Amit Singh
Role: CEO
Company: Adani Green Energy (AGEL)
Market cap: US$31.8bn
Country: India
Amit is the CEO of India’s largest renewable power producer, boasting a portfolio of 20GW of capacity — more than 10GW of which is made up of solar, wind and hybrid plants across the country.
A seasoned energy industry professional, Amit has spent more than two decades working across a variety of geographies worldwide. Before joining AGEL, he spent 22 years at SLB, formerly Shlumberger, in locations such as Qatar, Indonesia, the UK, Kuwait, Canada and Oman, as well as his native India.
“We presently possess the most extensive operating renewable portfolio in India,” Amit says. “We are enhancing our project execution capabilities as we gear up for our next phase of growth. We are diligently working on our next milestone, which involves developing the largest RE cluster globally in Khavda, Gujarat.”
9. P.M. Prasad
Role: Chairman cum Managing Director
Company: Coal India (CIL)
Market cap: US$34.4bn
Country: India
Starting his career with CIL in 1984, P.M. brings 40 years of experience in coal mining operations and management to his role as Managing Director.
He has expressed optimism about the future of India’s coal industry, saying: “The Indian government has mandated radical changes in coal mining, with commercial mining and state governments getting more prominence.”
As MD, he aims to focus on optimising resources and improving profitability for Coal India.
P.M.’s appointment in 2023 came at a crucial time for Coal India, as the company was overcoming — and continues to navigate — challenges and opportunities in India’s evolving energy sector.
8. Arun Kumar Singh
Role: Chairman and CEO
Company: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC)
Market cap: US$40.6bn
Country: India
Arun is the Chairman and CEO of India’s largest oil and gas producer. He brings more than 35 years of experience in the oil and gas industry to the role, which he assumed at the end of 2022.
His career, which spans both Indian and global markets, has seen him gain deep industry knowledge and expertise.
His strategic vision aligns organisational goals with national energy strategies, while his focus on sustainability demonstrates forward-thinking leadership. Arun’s diverse background — spanning operational, strategic and international roles — provides him with a comprehensive industry perspective.
In addition, Arun is known for his expertise in corporate reforms and business management, aiming to drive ONGC’s growth and efficiency in the evolving energy landscape.
7. Gurdeep Singh
Role: Chairman & Managing Director
Company: NTPC
Market cap: US$48bn
Country: India
Another exec with more than three decades of experience in the power sector, Gurdeep Singh's career has seen him work in roles in public and private companies, including MNCs.
He is well known across the energy sector for his strategic vision, focusing on transforming NTPC from a coal-based power generator to a sustainable integrated energy company.
Under his leadership, exponential renewable energy expansion has occurred, including green hydrogen projects, along with a sharp focus on general sustainability efforts. His leadership has positioned NTPC at the forefront of India’s energy transition, aligning with national goals for cleaner, affordable power.
Gurdeep’s expertise in operational efficiency and environmental stewardship has strengthened NTPC’s competitive edge in the evolving energy landscape.
6. Erwin Ciputra
Role: President Director and CEO
Company: Chandra Asri Petrochemical
Market cap: US$50.5bn
Country: Indonesia
At the helm of Chandra Asri Pacific since 2011, Erwin Ciputra has 13 years of experience in the sector, applying deep industry knowledge and financial acumen to his role.
Openly lauded as an exceptional energy industry leader, his diverse background — including roles in finance at major US firms like JP Morgan — has allowed Erwin to incorporate a global perspective crucial in the energy sector to his work.
Erwin’s leadership style is characterised by his ability to balance long-term strategic vision with day-to-day operational excellence and, under his guidance, Chandra Asri has navigated market fluctuations and industry challenges, maintaining its position as a key player in the Southeast Asian petrochemical market.
5. Dong Myung Kim
Role: Executive President and CEO
Company: LG Energy Solution
Market cap: US$64.7bn
Country: South Korea
Dong Myung stands out as an exceptional energy leader in his role as CEO of LG Energy Solution, one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers.
With more than 25 years of experience in the battery industry, Dong Myung has demonstrated deep technical expertise and strategic vision. His career progression within LG, from research roles to leading key divisions, showcases his comprehensive understanding of the battery value chain.
Dong Myung's leadership has been instrumental in LG Energy Solution’s global expansion and technological advancements. He has played a crucial role in securing major partnerships with global automakers and establishing joint ventures, positioning the company at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution.
His appointment as CEO at a relatively young age of 54 reflects the company’s confidence in his ability to navigate the rapidly-evolving energy landscape.
4. Dr Ma Yongsheng
Role: President and Chairman of the Board
Company: Sinopec
Market cap: US$104.8bn
Country: China
Yongsheng stands out as an excellent energy leader thanks to his extensive experience and expertise in the oil and gas industry. With a PhD and status as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, he brings a strong technical background to his leadership role at Sinopec.
His career progression at Sinopec, from Chief Geologist to Chairman, demonstrates his deep understanding of the company’s operations and his ability to drive growth and innovation.
As Chairman of one of the world’s largest energy and chemical companies, Yongsheng plays a crucial role in shaping China’s energy landscape. His leadership comes at a critical time when China is focusing on energy transition and decarbonisation, and Yongsheng’s technical expertise — combined with his strategic vision — positions him well to guide Sinopec through these challenges.
3. Zhiren Lv
Role: Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Strategy and Investment Committee
Company: China Shenhua Energy
Market cap: US$110.8bn
Country: China
Following his resignation as CEO earlier this year, Zhiren continues to have influence over operations at China Shenhua Energy and the wider energy industry as the company’s Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Strategy and Investment Committee.
Zhiren’s exceptional leadership is evident in his rapid ascent within China Shenhua Energy and his ability to navigate the complex landscape of state-owned enterprises.
His technical expertise as a senior engineer, combined with his strategic vision, positions him as a strong leadership figure to guide China Shenhua Energy through the challenges of energy transition and environmental concerns.
Under Zhiren’s watchful eye, China Shenhua Energy has maintained its position as a key player in the global energy market while adapting to changing environmental regulations and market demands.
2. Zhou Xinhuai
Role: Executive Director and CEO
Company: CNOOC
Market cap: US$119.4bn
Country: China
Armed with a robust academic background in petroleum-based subjects, Xinhuai’s deep technical expertise has been essential in not only navigating the complexities of the oil and gas industry, but his success in steering CNOOC.
His career at CNOOC has seen him excel in various roles, including Chief Geologist and General Manager of the Exploration Department, showcasing his comprehensive understanding of CNOOC and the wider energy industry.
His rapid ascent to CEO reflects his exceptional performance and recognition at CNOOC and, thanks to his blend of technical knowledge, managerial experience and political acumen, Xinhuai exerts significant influence both at CNOOC and outside its operations.
1. Dr Huang Yongzhang
Role: President and Director
Company: PetroChina
Market cap: US$208.6bn
Country: China
Yongzhang is a formidable energy leader serving as President and Director of PetroChina, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies. With a PhD in Petroleum Engineering Management from China University of Petroleum, Yongzhang brings a strong technical background to his leadership role.
His extensive experience in the oil and gas industry — spanning more than two decades — has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the sector’s complexities.
Becoming President of PetroChina in 2023, Yongzhang’s appointment and subsequent leadership is characterised by a focus on innovation, sustainability and strategic growth, positioning PetroChina to play a crucial role in China’s energy security and global market competitiveness.
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