Indian Register of Shipping announces leadership realignment to drive growth and operational excellence

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has announced key leadership appointments that became effective 1 April 2026, as part of its strategic efforts to strengthen organisational capabilities and support its continued growth trajectory.



As IRS enters the financial year 2026–27, the organisation is witnessing sustained expansion across its core and emerging service areas. This growth comes alongside a rapidly evolving maritime landscape, marked by increasing regulatory complexity, technological transformation, and the global push towards sustainability.



In response, IRS has undertaken a leadership realignment aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, reinforcing governance frameworks, and enabling greater agility and accountability across its functions.



Mr. Saikat Roychowdhury (pictured, left) has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO). He will oversee overall operations and, along with the Management Representative, supervise both internal and external audit functions. 



Mr. H.V. Ramesh (centre) has been appointed as Head – Technical and will lead IRS’s technical function, supporting innovation, quality assurance, and service delivery across the organisation. 



Cdr. Pavan Kumar Varma (right) has been appointed as Management Representative (MR) and Divisional Head – QHSE.



Commenting on the development, Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman, IRS said: “As IRS continues to expand its footprint and capabilities in a rapidly evolving maritime ecosystem, it is essential that our leadership structure remains aligned with our strategic priorities. These appointments are a reflection of our commitment to strengthening operational excellence, enhancing governance, and building a future-ready organisation. We are confident that this leadership team will play a pivotal role in driving IRS’s next phase of growth and value creation for our stakeholders.”