Ajay Dua takes over as AREVA T&D Chairman

Mr. Saroj Kumar Poddar has announced his decision to step down as Chairman of AREVA T&D India Ltd. Mr. Poddar?s decision comes as more and more of his time is required by his family enterprises and his commitments in India and abroad as an industry leader.

Commenting on Mr. S K Poddar?s decision, Mr. Karim Vissandjee, global Chief Financial Officer, AREVA T&D, and board member of AREVA T&D India, said, ?On behalf of the members of the board and our staff in India, I convey our sincere thanks to Mr. Saroj Poddar for his valuable contribution as the longest serving Chairman of AREVA T&D India Ltd. In just over 10 years, since 1998, he has overseen the growth of the Company in India to its T&D market leadership position today.?

In view of Mr. S K Poddar?s decision, Dr. Ajay Dua, has been nominated as the new Chairman – Board of Directors, AREVA T&D India Ltd.

Dr. Dua has served in the Government of India and Government of Maharashtra in several senior capacities. He brings with him significant experience of the electricity industry, having worked as a joint secretary in the Union Ministry of Power, and as Chairman cum Managing Director of National Hydro-Electric Power Corporation and the Rural Electrification Corporation of India. He is also a former Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Mr Saroj Kumar Poddar said, ?In my long association as Chairman of AREVA T&D India, I am proud to have seen the Company grow from strength to strength. I wish its new Chairman Dr. Ajay Dua and AREVA T&D India?s management under its Managing Director, Rathin Basu, all success for the Company?s future growth and increasing share holder value?.

Mr. Philippe Guillemot, global Chairman and CEO of AREVA T&D, speaking on behalf of the executive management of AREVA T&D, said, ?I sincerely congratulate Dr. Ajay Dua and welcome him to AREVA T&D. We are confident that, as its new Chairman, Dr. Dua will provide the vision and energy required to achieve the expected ongoing growth of AREVA T&D India and realize value for its shareholders.?