Sandy Khera: Inspiring The Next Generation Of Renewable Energy Leadership
Sandy Khera
CEO & Country Manager
Amid this rapid evolution, the industry's most effective leaders are distinguished not only by their ability to deliver largescale clean energy projects but also by their capacity to balance technological innovation, financial discipline, long-term strategy, and people-centric leadership. They understand that building a sustainable energy future requires creating lasting value for businesses, communities, and future generations alike.
Among such leaders is Sandy Khera, CEO and Country Manager, Enel Green Power India, whose career reflects a comprehensive understanding of the renewable energy ecosystem. Having experienced the industry through the perspectives of an advisor, investor, entrepreneur, and multinational CEO, he has developed a multidimensional approach to leadership and value creation.
His academic background in Electronics Engineering from Nagpur University, complemented by an MBA in Finance and International Business from NMIMS, enabled him to bridge technology and finance from the outset of his career. Early professional roles at SBI Capital Markets, Ernst & Young, and later GE Capital, where he managed a US$200 million private equity portfolio, strengthened his expertise in disciplined capital allocation, governance, and strategic growth.
In 2010, he co-founded renewable energy startup BLP, navigating every stage of the entrepreneurial journey before its acquisition by Enel in 2015. Since then, he has progressed from CFO to CEO, leading Enel Green Power India to a renewable portfolio exceeding 1 GW.
Throughout his journey, Sandy Khera has remained grounded in the belief that while capital enables projects and technology drives progress, it is people who create enduring impact. This philosophy continues to define his leadership as he works towards delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees, communities, and
the broader transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
What leadership philosophy and strategic principles have consistently guided your decision-making, and how have they helped you build resilient, high-performing teams?
I believe leadership begins with authenticity. Before expecting integrity, accountability or courage from others, I must demonstrate those qualities myself. Leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about creating an environment where people feel trusted, respected and empowered to find solutions together.
I strive to balance empathy with account ability, ambition with humility, and long-term vision with disciplined execution. Resilient teams are built around a shared purpose, open collaboration and mutual trust. Even in uncertain times, I believe decisive action, continuous learning and the humility to acknowledge mistakes are what ultimately strengthen both leaders and organisations.
From your perspective, what are the most significant trends shaping the industry's future, and how is India aligning with these deve- lopments?
Over the past fifteen years, I have seen renewable energy evolve from an alter -native power source into a strategic pillar of India's energy future. I believe the industry is now entering its second generation. The first was about building capacity; the next is about building intelligence and flexibility.
Energy storage, artificial intelligence, digitalisation and smarter grids will redefine how renewable power is generated, managed and delivered. India is well positioned to lead this transition through ambitious policies, manufacturing growth and investor confidence. Going forward, execution excellence - not just access to technology or capital- will determine long-term success.
What differentiates your approach to delivering long-term environmental, social, and business impact?
For me, sustainable value creation is never driven by a single initiative. It comes from combining disciplined capital allocation, operational excellence technology governance and community engagement into one integrated approach. We continuously invest in digital innovation, including AI-enabled monitoring and operational optimisation while maintaining a strong focus on execution.
What leadership philosophy and strategic principles have consistently guided your decision-making, and how have they helped you build resilient, high-performing teams?
I believe leadership begins with authenticity. Before expecting integrity, accountability or courage from others, I must demonstrate those qualities myself. Leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about creating an environment where people feel trusted, respected and empowered to find solutions together.
I believe every renewable energy project should create lasting value beyond clean electricity. It should strengthen local com- munities, generate opportunities and leave a positive legacy
I strive to balance empathy with account ability, ambition with humility, and long-term vision with disciplined execution. Resilient teams are built around a shared purpose, open collaboration and mutual trust. Even in uncertain times, I believe decisive action, continuous learning and the humility to acknowledge mistakes are what ultimately strengthen both leaders and organisations.
From your perspective, what are the most significant trends shaping the industry's future, and how is India aligning with these deve- lopments?
Over the past fifteen years, I have seen renewable energy evolve from an alter -native power source into a strategic pillar of India's energy future. I believe the industry is now entering its second generation. The first was about building capacity; the next is about building intelligence and flexibility.
Energy storage, artificial intelligence, digitalisation and smarter grids will redefine how renewable power is generated, managed and delivered. India is well positioned to lead this transition through ambitious policies, manufacturing growth and investor confidence. Going forward, execution excellence - not just access to technology or capital- will determine long-term success.
What differentiates your approach to delivering long-term environmental, social, and business impact?
For me, sustainable value creation is never driven by a single initiative. It comes from combining disciplined capital allocation, operational excellence technology governance and community engagement into one integrated approach. We continuously invest in digital innovation, including AI-enabled monitoring and operational optimisation while maintaining a strong focus on execution.
Equally important, I believe every renewable energy project should create lasting value beyond clean electricity. It should strengthen local communities, generate opportunities and leave a positive legacy. Financial performance and social impact are not competing priorities - they reinforce one another when pursued with the right mindset.
Emerging technologies are transforming renewable energy. How are you leveraging these innovations to accelerate the energy transition and create greater value
I believe artificial intelligence will become the operating system of the future renewable energy industry. AI, predictive analytics and digital technologies are already improving asset performance, maintenance planning and grid management.
One of the biggest opportunities lies in more accurate weather and generation forecasting, enabling better storage utilisation, grid stability and market participation. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will make renewable energy systems far more intelligent and efficient.
However, technology should enhance human capability, not replace it. Organisations that invest in both digital innovation and people will lead the next phase of the energy transition.
Looking ahead, how do you aspire to contribute to India's renewable energy ambitions while advancing innovation, sustainability and a low-carbon future?
India has the opportunity not only to become one of the world's largest renewable energy markets but also a global leader in clean energy innovation. My aspiration extends beyond commissioning projects. I want to help build stronger communities, develop future leaders and contribute to a more resilient energy ecosystem.
I also believe leadership requires continuous learning, which is why I continue to invest in my own professional development. Ultimately, I hope my legacy is measured not only by the renewable capacity we build, but by the people we inspire and the sustainable future we help create.
Sandy Khera, CEO & Country Manager, Enel Green Power
Sandy Khera is the CEO & Country Manager of Enel Green Power India, leading the company's renewable energy business with a portfolio exceeding 1 GW.
With experience as an advisor, investor, entrepreneur and business leader, he brings deep expertise in renewable energy, private equity, finance and strategic growth, driving India's clean energy transition through innovation and sustain-able leadership.
Emerging technologies are transforming renewable energy. How are you leveraging these innovations to accelerate the energy transition and create greater value
I believe artificial intelligence will become the operating system of the future renewable energy industry. AI, predictive analytics and digital technologies are already improving asset performance, maintenance planning and grid management.
One of the biggest opportunities lies in more accurate weather and generation forecasting, enabling better storage utilisation, grid stability and market participation. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will make renewable energy systems far more intelligent and efficient.
However, technology should enhance human capability, not replace it. Organisations that invest in both digital innovation and people will lead the next phase of the energy transition.
Looking ahead, how do you aspire to contribute to India's renewable energy ambitions while advancing innovation, sustainability and a low-carbon future?
India has the opportunity not only to become one of the world's largest renewable energy markets but also a global leader in clean energy innovation. My aspiration extends beyond commissioning projects. I want to help build stronger communities, develop future leaders and contribute to a more resilient energy ecosystem.
I also believe leadership requires continuous learning, which is why I continue to invest in my own professional development. Ultimately, I hope my legacy is measured not only by the renewable capacity we build, but by the people we inspire and the sustainable future we help create.
Sandy Khera, CEO & Country Manager, Enel Green Power
Sandy Khera is the CEO & Country Manager of Enel Green Power India, leading the company's renewable energy business with a portfolio exceeding 1 GW.
With experience as an advisor, investor, entrepreneur and business leader, he brings deep expertise in renewable energy, private equity, finance and strategic growth, driving India's clean energy transition through innovation and sustain-able leadership.