Sunil Kumar Nagdawne has assumed charge as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Pawan Hans Limited (PHL) with effect from July 3, 2026. Pawan Hans, a Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is India’s leading helicopter services company.
Nagdawne succeeds to the top leadership position at a crucial time for the company as it seeks to expand its role in India’s growing civil aviation ecosystem and strengthen its operational capabilities.
Bringing more than three decades of experience across aviation, energy, infrastructure management, operational excellence and stakeholder engagement, Nagdawne is expected to drive the next phase of growth for the state-owned helicopter operator.
Before joining Pawan Hans, he served as General Manager (Aviation) at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), where he led key aviation fuel operations, airport infrastructure development and strategic business initiatives supporting both civil and defence aviation sectors.
Throughout his career, Nagdawne has held several senior leadership positions in India and overseas. He has played a pivotal role in strengthening aviation operations, improving operational efficiency, enhancing safety standards and developing customer-focused service models. His expertise spans aviation operations, infrastructure development, quality assurance, safety management, business strategy and organizational transformation.
An engineering graduate from National Institute of Technology (NIT), Bhopal, Nagdawne also holds an MBA in Operations & Decision Sciences from NMIMS, Mumbai. He has further strengthened his leadership credentials through executive management programmes at IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta.
Expressing his gratitude on assuming office, Nagdawne said: “I am deeply honoured by the trust reposed in me by the Government of India, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, the Public Enterprises Selection Board and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. I am privileged to join Pawan Hans, an institution that has played a vital role in strengthening aviation connectivity across the nation for over four decades.”
He added: “I look forward to working closely with the Board, employees, customers and all stakeholders to further strengthen safety, operational excellence, customer service and innovation. Together, we will build a future-ready Pawan Hans that leverages technology, enhances operational capabilities, expands business opportunities and continues to contribute meaningfully to India’s growing aviation ecosystem and national development priorities.”
Employees and stakeholders of Pawan Hans welcomed Nagdawne’s appointment, expressing confidence that his vast leadership experience, strategic vision and proven ability to manage large and complex operations will further accelerate the company’s growth and reinforce its position as India’s leading helicopter services provider.
