Ashish Agarwal

Ashish is a highly experienced professional with a remarkable 25-year career a nd has held leadership positions in various industries across geographies.In 2007, Ashish joined Essar Group as a key team member who led EssarGroup's entry into the SEZ (Special Economic Zone) business. Serving as theHead of Strategy and Business Development, he later became the Senior VicePresident in the Chairman's Office, overseeing the strategic direction of thegroup's diverse portfolio in sectors such as Energy, Steel, Shipping,Infrastructure, and Logistics across different regions.In 2019, Ashish started building Seros Companies, expanding its portfolio toinclude the Energy, Shipping, Offshore, and Logistics sectors. Currently, heserves as the Managing Director and CEO of the company.Under Ashish's leadership, Seros Energy has emerged as India's largestintegrated onshore Oilfield Services company. The company offers a widerange of services, such as Oil and Gas Drilling, Directional Drilling,Hydrofracking, Cementing, Coil-Tubing, Nitrogen pumping, and well testing. Itboasts a substantial fleet of drilling rigs and well-service equipment.Ashish embarked on his professional journey 25 years ago as a GroupManagement Trainee with the Adani Group, contributing to projects at AdaniWilmar. Following his tenure at Adani, he delved into entrepreneurship,leading successful manufacturing start-ups in sectors like injection moulding,ginger processing, and manufacturing air conditioners for renowned brandssuch as Samsung, LG, and Daikin.Ashish, an alumnus of Harvard Business School and the Indian Institute ofManagement Ahmedabad is also a qualified CFA. His extensive expertise inOperations, Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Strategy equips him to steerthe company towards financial excellence and strategic growth. Ashish is alsoan active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO)With a diverse career and a track record of successful ventures andturnarounds, Ashish remains abreast of digital and technology-drivenbusiness transformations.

Session Overview

Wednesday, 5 November

10:40

Emerging Economies ICC Hall B 10:40 - 11:20

How can oil-producing emerging economies be incentivised to diversify in a low-carbon world?

Oil price volatility creates an urgent diversification imperative for emerging economies. These nations must reduce revenue concentration, attract sustainable investment, and align with the global shift toward multilateral climate and trade frameworks. While multilateral initiatives like the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) aim to support this shift, their effectiveness in oil-exporting economies remains uncertain, especially for countries where energy revenues underpin national budgets. Rather than abandoning their energy base, these economies must channel existing revenues into future-facing sectors and resilient infrastructure. Meaningful diversification requires global frameworks that enable low-carbon industrial growth while providing governments sufficient policy space to build economic resilience. Success hinges on regional trade integration, green industrial strategy, and financial tools that reflect national realities. With the right mix of incentives, finance, and autonomy, these economies can diversify more decisively and remain competitive in a changing energy system.

Attendee insights:

Explore how oil-exporting emerging economies can be incentivised to diversify through multilateral trade frameworks, unlocking investment and policy flexibility tailored to their economic needs and energy realities.

Wednesday, 6 November

15:45

Maritime & Logistics Conference Conference Room A 15:45 - 16:30

View Session

The role of digitalisation in building a safer and more energy efficient maritime future

Digital technologies can optimise operations and help reduce emissions, while improving safety in handling high-risk fuels. They can also help in combating piracy and cybersecurity threats in vulnerable regions. Real-time data analytics and AI-driven systems can identify operational inefficiencies as well as inform decisions impacting energy efficiency. These technologies are pivotal in steering the maritime industry towards a safer, more energy efficient, and sustainable future. Beyond operational gains, an increasingly automated industry empowers the next generation of maritime professionals to view shipping as an increasingly attractive career path.

Attendee insights:

Learn how emerging digital technologies, including AI, autonomous systems, and real-time analytics are revolutionising maritime operations to enhance safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability in the industry's advancement towards a greener future.