The minister delivered his remarks on Monday on the sidelines of a
Petroleum Ministry deputy council session, which also included an official
transition ceremony for the National Petrochemical Company (NPC).
Executive Transition at NPC
The ministry session marked the formal conclusion of Hassan
Abbaszadeh's tenure as the managing director of the NPC. Paknejad expressed
appreciation for Abbaszadeh's professional leadership, noting that his detailed
operational oversight and command of industrial processes exemplified the high
standard of management required in the sector.
"Fortunately, the petroleum industry benefits from highly
professional and specialized managers who possess comprehensive mastery over
their respective portfolios," Paknejad stated, adding that such leadership
provides critical structural stability to the wider economy.
The minister expressed confidence that Abbaszadeh would continue to
drive successful industrial outcomes in his next professional capacity.
Interim Leadership Appointed
To ensure operational continuity during the executive transition,
Paknejad appointed Omid Shakeri to serve as the caretaker supervisor of the
National Petrochemical Company until a permanent managing director is formally
chosen.
Shakeri will manage the caretaker responsibilities at NPC concurrently
with his current primary role as the Deputy Minister of Petroleum for
Engineering, Research, and Technology. The interim leadership is expected to
maintain steady progress on current petrochemical infrastructure projects and
technology localization initiatives.