Tarun Katiyar: A Game-Changer At The Helm Of Indias Power Sector
Tarun Katiyar
CEO
CEO Insights recently engaged in a one-on-one interaction with Tarun, where he shares more about his journey and success saga.
Could you give a brief account of your professional background and experiences? What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?
A 1992-batch Engineering graduate embarked on the journey with a reputed organization as Project Engineer responsible for developing Generation Projects upto to 500 MW capacity. The Commissioning of 20MW Diesel Generator at Port Blair was one of the most challenging as well as satisfying experience as it involves flawless planning, project management and indigenous use of critical components that helped the Company for preschedule completion and cost saving.
There on, I moved to Tata Power Delhi Distribution (erstwhile “NDPL”) in 2003 as key core team member responsible for transforming the ailing Distribution Company. Obtained experience in Business Process Reengineering, leading Connection Management, and development of CRM & Billing software, and finally moving to Business Development portfolio.
Spearheading Business Development undertook several transformative projects such as the establishment of country’s first MW-scale Rooftop solar plant in Delhi, acquiring Distribution Franchisees in Jamshedpur and Ajmer. Collaborated with State Utilities for implementing Govt. of India Flagship Programmes viz., RAPDRP, RGVVY, DDUGJY, IPDS programs and establishing businesses and alliances in overseas geographies, including Nigeria, Tajikistan,
Mozambique, Ethiopia, Uganda, Bangladesh, Qatar and beyond.
In 2020, moved as Chief-Business Development, Tata Power and led the team for acquisition of entire four Distribution licenses businesses in Odisha, largest stressed transmission assets including SEUPPTCL and NRSS and was then elevated as CEO, TPTCL in Aug’2022
The support from my mentors and the guiding light and philosophy of our Tata founders imbibed through these years has enabled me to accomplish and achieve my goals. My MBA in Finance along with the courses at IIMs and The Wharton School, Pennsylvania, have provided the tact and skills required to master the decision-making and leadership domain. I firmly believe that perseverance and patience bear fruit, drawing inspiration from the poem “koshish karne walon ki kabhi haar nahin hoti”.
Can you share the distinctive opportunities provided by Manipal Institute of Technology and the lessons you gained from the campus apart from academic education?
Beyond the conventional classrooms and textbooks, Manipal Institute of Technology has unveiled a world of possibilities, firming the belief that genuine education transcends traditional boundaries and learning extends far beyond the confines of academics.
Being a part of the vibrant campus culture and learning together with a diverse peer group expanded my horizons and fostered a global, transformative perspective. Engaging in thoughtprovoking conversations and innovative brainstorming sessions helped create bonding with peers that survive to this day and have supported me both personally and professionally.
How would you define Tata Power Trading Company Limited as an organization and its current position in the market?
Tata Power Trading Company (TPTCL), a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company, one of the largest integrated power companies, was established in 2003 and is among the major power trading companies in India.
As India's first power trading licensee, TPTCL plays a vital role in power trading vertical, acting as a facilitator and trading partner for power generators, distribution companies, and open access consumers. TPTCL actively participates in the power trading market to benefit its customers focusing on managing electricity
In 2020, moved as Chief-Business Development, Tata Power and led the team for acquisition of entire four Distribution licenses businesses in Odisha, largest stressed transmission assets including SEUPPTCL and NRSS and was then elevated as CEO, TPTCL in Aug’2022
The support from my mentors and the guiding light and philosophy of our Tata founders imbibed through these years has enabled me to accomplish and achieve my goals. My MBA in Finance along with the courses at IIMs and The Wharton School, Pennsylvania, have provided the tact and skills required to master the decision-making and leadership domain. I firmly believe that perseverance and patience bear fruit, drawing inspiration from the poem “koshish karne walon ki kabhi haar nahin hoti”.
Beyond the conventional classrooms and textbooks, Manipal Institute of Technology has unveiled a world of possibilities
Can you share the distinctive opportunities provided by Manipal Institute of Technology and the lessons you gained from the campus apart from academic education?
Beyond the conventional classrooms and textbooks, Manipal Institute of Technology has unveiled a world of possibilities, firming the belief that genuine education transcends traditional boundaries and learning extends far beyond the confines of academics.
Being a part of the vibrant campus culture and learning together with a diverse peer group expanded my horizons and fostered a global, transformative perspective. Engaging in thoughtprovoking conversations and innovative brainstorming sessions helped create bonding with peers that survive to this day and have supported me both personally and professionally.
How would you define Tata Power Trading Company Limited as an organization and its current position in the market?
Tata Power Trading Company (TPTCL), a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company, one of the largest integrated power companies, was established in 2003 and is among the major power trading companies in India.
As India's first power trading licensee, TPTCL plays a vital role in power trading vertical, acting as a facilitator and trading partner for power generators, distribution companies, and open access consumers. TPTCL actively participates in the power trading market to benefit its customers focusing on managing electricity
portfolios, transacting power supply across regions including cross border trade, and actively engaging in Power Exchanges to balance supply and demand for our customers and generators.
TPTCL, a BEE Grade-1 certified ESCO company, places a strong emphasis on sustainable power solutions through facilitating Energy Certificates, bundled-RE solutions including RTC-RE, energy optimization solutions such as Smart Energy management, HVAC, etc. for its customers. With a goal of zero coal-based addition and innovative RE based growth, Tata Power has targeted a complete phaseout of coal-based generation by 2045. TPTCL has been fulfilling the increasing demand of C&I consumers for RE power, through tying up power from its 200 MW Solar Merchant Plant and is actively advocating for the recently announced National Carbon Markets.
Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
My leadership approach is two simple mantras: Treat Customer a King and Nurture the Talent: recognize, reward, and retain.
I always tried to encourage teams to identify and pursue new ideas. To achieve the stars, one must forget the comfort of the land. I am proud to mention that TPTCL is a young and energetic team working hard to achieve our strategic goals.
As we go and grow, I believe in taking people along, learning and sharing with them, bringing the best out of them and building the best with them.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
Right now, I am paving the way to lead TPTCL into newer growth areas, to achieve the road to sustained profitability, and be one of the foremost Energy Service Providers in India and prepare myself for some higher role and greater responsibility in the Tata group.
In the light of your strong experience within the industry, what advice would you give to the budding industry leaders?
To the young leaders, I have only one piece of advice: learn by doing it on your own first. Get your hands dirty, do the drill, and then emerge out to coach. Have a focused, outcome-based approach, and aim for the stars, at least you’d end up high in the sky.
Tarun Katiyar, Chief Executive Officer , Tata Power Trading Company
Serving as the CEO of Tata Power Trading Company, Tarun Katiyar, an Engineering graduate from Manipal Institute of Technology, is an MBA in Finance, and a Member of Institution of Engineers (India). With over thirty years of experience in the power sector, Tarun has an extensive background in Power Projects, Transmission and Distribution
TPTCL, a BEE Grade-1 certified ESCO company, places a strong emphasis on sustainable power solutions through facilitating Energy Certificates, bundled-RE solutions including RTC-RE, energy optimization solutions such as Smart Energy management, HVAC, etc. for its customers. With a goal of zero coal-based addition and innovative RE based growth, Tata Power has targeted a complete phaseout of coal-based generation by 2045. TPTCL has been fulfilling the increasing demand of C&I consumers for RE power, through tying up power from its 200 MW Solar Merchant Plant and is actively advocating for the recently announced National Carbon Markets.
Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
My leadership approach is two simple mantras: Treat Customer a King and Nurture the Talent: recognize, reward, and retain.
I always tried to encourage teams to identify and pursue new ideas. To achieve the stars, one must forget the comfort of the land. I am proud to mention that TPTCL is a young and energetic team working hard to achieve our strategic goals.
As we go and grow, I believe in taking people along, learning and sharing with them, bringing the best out of them and building the best with them.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
Right now, I am paving the way to lead TPTCL into newer growth areas, to achieve the road to sustained profitability, and be one of the foremost Energy Service Providers in India and prepare myself for some higher role and greater responsibility in the Tata group.
In the light of your strong experience within the industry, what advice would you give to the budding industry leaders?
To the young leaders, I have only one piece of advice: learn by doing it on your own first. Get your hands dirty, do the drill, and then emerge out to coach. Have a focused, outcome-based approach, and aim for the stars, at least you’d end up high in the sky.
Tarun Katiyar, Chief Executive Officer , Tata Power Trading Company
Serving as the CEO of Tata Power Trading Company, Tarun Katiyar, an Engineering graduate from Manipal Institute of Technology, is an MBA in Finance, and a Member of Institution of Engineers (India). With over thirty years of experience in the power sector, Tarun has an extensive background in Power Projects, Transmission and Distribution