R S Sharma has been selected as the new ONGC CMD, reports TV-18. A head hunting committee today recommended ONGC acting chairman R S Sharma for the post of chairman and managing director of the state-run company.

The search committee, headed by Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) chairman N K Sinha, also recommended Najeeb Jung, a former IAS officer, as its number two choice for the job, PESB sources said.

In all, 28 candidates were called for the interview held yesterday and today. While 14 people including Sharma were interviewed yesterday, Jung and the remaining candidates appeared before the committee today.

Sharma had been the acting chairman and managing director of ONGC, since 25 May, 2006.

Sharma is a fellow member of the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India and also an associate member of the Indian Institute of Bankers.

He had joined ONGC Board as director (Finance) in March 2002.