Chacko M. Jose has assumed charge as the Head of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s Kochi Refinery, taking over as Executive Director with effect from February 20, 2026. The appointment places him at the helm of one of India’s largest public sector petroleum refineries at a time when the energy sector is navigating transition and expansion.
A Chemical Engineering graduate from Government Engineering College Thrissur, Jose also holds an MBA from Cochin University of Science and Technology. With more than 35 years of experience in the petroleum refining industry, he brings extensive operational and strategic expertise to the role.Over the course of his career, Jose has worked across three major refineries in India, handling diverse responsibilities spanning refinery operations, technical services, projects and engineering, energy management, and environment management. His professional trajectory reflects deep engagement with both production efficiency and sustainability frameworks, areas increasingly central to refinery competitiveness.
Prior to his current posting, Jose served as the Head of BPCL’s Bina Refinery, where he oversaw operational performance and strategic planning. Industry observers note that his tenure there focused on maintaining production reliability while strengthening safety and environmental compliance standards.At Kochi Refinery, Jose succeeds M. Sankar, who has been appointed as the Head of BPCL’s Mumbai Refinery. The leadership reshuffle is part of BPCL’s broader strategy of deploying experienced executives across key assets to ensure operational continuity and performance optimisation.
Kochi Refinery plays a critical role in BPCL’s refining network, contributing significantly to fuel supply in southern India and export markets. The facility has undergone capacity expansion and technological upgrades in recent years, positioning it as a strategic asset in India’s downstream petroleum infrastructure.Under Jose’s leadership, the refinery is expected to prioritise operational efficiency, process safety, and sustainability measures aligned with BPCL’s long-term goals. The energy major has increasingly focused on value creation, environmental stewardship, and integration of digital technologies to enhance productivity.
Hailing from Ayyampilly in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, Jose’s appointment also carries local resonance in the state, where the Kochi Refinery remains a major industrial employer and economic contributor.As India balances energy security with climate commitments, leadership transitions at major refineries are seen as pivotal in steering operational excellence while adapting to evolving policy and market dynamics.
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Chacko M. Jose takes charge as BPCL Kochi Refinery head