Leadership
MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP
Leadership That Builds for the Long Term.
The leadership team at B.S. Sponge Limited plays a vital role in driving the company’s vision of sustainable growth, innovation, and customer-centricity. Our Board is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and ethical values to guide us towards long-term success.
Parmanand Agarwal
(Chairman, Non-Executive and Non-Independent Director)
Parmanand Agarwal, aged 80 years, is the Chairman, Non-Executive and Non-Independent Director of our Company. He has been on the Board of our Company since incorporation. He does not hold any undergraduate degree. He has over 49 years of experience across the mining, construction, steel, and power sectors. He currently serves as a director on the board of directors of Nachiketa Gift-Ads Private Limited and is a designated partner in Florance Engineering Enterprises LLP and Zortea Logistics LLP. Previously, he was also associated with Parampara Impex Private Limited and M/s Bishan Swarup Agarwal in the capacity of a director and partner, respectively. Currently his role in the company is to provide strategic guidance and expertise to support the formulation of the Company’s vision and long-term strategy.
Ashish Agarwal
(Managing Director)
Ashish Agarwal, aged 44 years, is the Managing Director of our Company. He has been on the Board of our Company since 2004. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from University of Mumbai, has completed a diploma programme in project management from University of California, Berkeley, certifications on business mastery program on advanced sales and marketing program from Business Coaching India. He has over 22 years of experience across the steel and power sectors. He currently serves as a director on the board of directors of Nachiketa Gift-Ads Private Limited and is a designated partner in Florance Engineering Enterprises LLP and Zortea Logistics LLP. Currently his role in the Company is to provide strategic leadership and oversee the overall finance, management, operations, and performance.
Richhi Agarwal
(Whole-Time Director)
Richhi Agarwal, aged 40 years is a Whole-time Director of our Company. She has been on the Board of our Company since 2026. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Jadavpur University, an advanced diploma in finance from The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University, Tripura, and certification on business mastery program and certification on advanced sales and marketing program from Business Coaching India. She has over 13 years of experience. Currently her role in the Company is to oversee management, administration, CSR, and marketing functions.
Bijay Kumar Agarwal
(Whole-Time Director)
Bijay Kumar Agarwal, aged 60 years, is a Whole-Time Director of our Company. He was originally appointed on the Board of our Company in 2011. He has passed the Annual Intermediate Examination from Bihar Intermediate Education Council, Patna from Patna University, Ranchi. He has over 13 years of experience across the steel and power sectors. Currently his role in the company is to manage and oversee all government relations and legal liaison activities of the company.
Our Leadership Philosophy
At B.S. Sponge Limited, leadership goes beyond titles; it’s about creating a lasting impact on the industry, our clients, and the communities we serve. We believe that our leaders inspire success through integrity, foresight, and a commitment to long-term value creation. Our leadership team ensures that every decision is guided by ethical practices and a focus on sustainable growth.
Our Independent Directors
Prem Sagar Mishra
Prem Sagar Mishra, aged 61 years, is an Independent Director of our Company. He holds a bachelor’s degree in technology in mining engineering from Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, a post graduate diploma in Business Laws from the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences and degree of doctorate of philosophy from Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad. He has over 40 years of experience across the mining sectors. He was previously associated with South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) as chairman cum managing director, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) as chairman cum managing director, The Orissa Minerals Development Company Limited (OMDC) as director (Production & Planning), Bharat Coking Coal Limited as an area general manager and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) as Colliery Manager.
Mazhar Hussain Arif
Mazhar Hussain Arif, aged 62 years, is an Independent Director of our Company. He is a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He has over 30 years of experience in finance and accountancy. He was previously associated with Foundation of Independent Financial Associates (formerly known as Foundation of Independent Financial Advisors), and M/s. Varawala & Arif as a partner. He currently serves as a director on the board of directors of Abacus Corporation Private Limited as a director and is a designated partner in Fiducia Financial Services LLP.
Pooja Sadhwani
Pooja Sadhwani, aged 31 years, is an Independent Director of our Company. She holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce in accounting and finance group from University of Calcutta. She has over 7 years of experience in administration and human resource functions. She was previously associated with Kapokk Fashions.
Deepali Soni
Deepali Soni, aged 46 years is an Independent Director of our Company. She holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Samrat Vikramaditya Vishwavidyalaya, Ujjain. She is a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. She has over 15 years of experience in finance and accountancy. She currently serves as a director on the board of directors of Rajendra Prasad Financial Services Private Limited. She is currently associated with M/s. Soni & Jain as a partner.
Our Senior Management Personnel and Key Management Personnel
Pradip Kumar Rathore
Pradip Kumar Rathore is the Chief Executive Officer of our Company. He has been associated with our Company since June 1, 2016. He holds a bachelor’s degree of science from Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur and a master’s degree of science in mathematics from MATS University, Raipur. He has over 23 years of experience. He has played an integral role in supporting our Company’s integrated manufacturing processes and is responsible for production, operational efficiency and business growth in our Company.
Raveendra Kanuri
Raveendra Kanuri is the chief technical officer of our Company. He has been associated with our Company since October 2, 2017 as consultant and was appointed as Chief Technical Officer with effect from August 1, 2025. He holds a diploma in mechanical engineering from State Board of Technical Education & Training, Andhra Pradesh. He has over 25 years of experience. He has played an integral role in supporting our Company’s integrated manufacturing processes and is responsible for power generation and utility operations. Prior to joining our Company, he was associated with Singhal Steel & Power Private Limited and Aquatherm Engineering Consultants (India) Private Limited.
Mayank Agrawal
Mayank Agrawal is the chief strategy officer of our Company. He has been associated with our Company since June 1, 2026. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur. He is an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He has over eight years of experience. He is responsible for organization’s strategy, growth opportunities, alignment of business objectives with long-term goals, and engagement with investors. Prior to joining our Company, he was associated with Sambhv Steel Tubes Limited, OFB Tech Private Limited, API Ispat & Powertech Private Limited, Hindustan Unilever Limited and Vedanta Limited (Oil & Gas Business).
Ajay Kumar Rauniyar
Ajay Kumar Rauniyar is the Vice President – Investor Relations of our Company. He has been associated with our Company since May 16, 2026. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce and major in accountancy and finance from Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. He is an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He has over eight years of experience. He is responsible to support senior management by providing insights on investor expectations and facilitating effective communication with investors and other stakeholders. Prior to joining our Company, he was associated with Hi-Tech Flow Solutions Limited, Hi-Tech Pipes Limited, Venture Supply Chain Private Limited, and Craft Route Merchandize Private Limited.
Chandan Kumar Sinha
Chandan Kumar Sinha is the Chief Financial Officer of our Company. He has been associated with the Company since November 22, 2022 as a consultant and was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer with effect from September 12, 2026. He is an associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He has over three years of experience. He is responsible for financial planning, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls and statutory compliance in our Company.
Himanshu Pandey
Himanshu Pandey the Company Secretary and Compliance Officer of our Company. He has been associated with our Company since December 26, 2023. He holds a master’s degree in commerce from Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur and post-graduation diploma in computer applications (P.G.D.C.A) commerce from Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur. He is a fellow member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. He has over five years of experience. He is responsible for secretarial and compliance matters.