Sunil Pandiri will become Voith Hydro chief operating officer on 1 November 2026, Voith Hydro announced in Heidenheim, Germany, on 29 October. He moves up from the post of chief service officer (CSO), which he has held since 2024, and will remain a member of the company’s Management Board.
What the Voith Hydro chief operating officer role covers
As COO, Pandiri will be responsible for end-to-end project execution on a global scale. His remit covers engineering, supply chain management, manufacturing, and construction and commissioning functions.
Voith Hydro said the appointment creates end-to-end accountability across the customer and asset lifecycle, with one operational ownership for both its New Build/Project business and its Service businesses. In practice, the delivery of new hydropower projects and the servicing of existing installations will report to a single executive.
Growth in the service business
The company said the promotion recognises Pandiri’s record as CSO. According to Voith Hydro, its global service business experienced significant growth under his leadership and contributed to improved profitability. The company also credited him with strengthening customer relationships and building customer-focused teams. It did not publish figures for the service business.
H2O Global News previously reported on his appointment as chief service officer at Voith Hydro in 2024. It also covered the company’s first Hydro Pocket digital solution in Japan, a service project on which he commented.
“Sunil has made a lasting impact on how we serve our customers and strengthened our long-term service partnerships. His leadership and proven ability to deliver sustainable business results make him a strong addition to our global Operations leadership. We warmly congratulate Sunil on his promotion and wish him continued success in this important new role,” said Jan Lüder, CEO of Voith Hydro.
Career in the energy and industrial sectors
Pandiri has more than 20 years of international leadership experience across the energy and industrial sectors. His career spans large global corporations, medium-sized enterprises and private equity environments.
After studying mechanical engineering, he began his career in 2004 as a project manager at Jindal Steel & Power in India. In 2006 he joined Siemens in India as a business development manager and relocated to Germany in 2008. He then held international leadership positions in sales, project management, product management, strategy, operations and general management.
From 2017 to 2019 he led the global steam turbine service business at Siemens. Between 2020 and 2022 he was CEO of Sykatec GmbH, a Siemens portfolio company. He then became CEO of the North Europe & Middle East region at Siemens Gamesa before joining Voith Hydro in 2024.
He holds an MBA from IESE Business School in Spain and a Digital Diploma from IMD in Switzerland. He has also completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School in the United States.
Voith Hydro within the Voith Group
Voith Hydro is a group division of the Voith Group, a family-owned technology company founded in 1867. The group works in the energy, paper, raw materials and transport markets. According to the company, it has around 21,000 employees, sales of $5.4 billion and locations in more than 60 countries.
The hydro division supplies equipment and services for large and small hydropower plants. Its portfolio covers generators, turbines, pumps and automation systems, as well as spare parts, maintenance, training and digital solutions.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new chief operating officer of Voith Hydro?
Sunil Pandiri has been appointed chief operating officer of Voith Hydro, effective from 1 November 2026. He was previously the company’s chief service officer, a role he had held since 2024.
What will Sunil Pandiri be responsible for as COO?
He will be responsible for end-to-end project execution on a global scale. His remit covers engineering, supply chain management, manufacturing, and construction and commissioning functions.
Why has Voith Hydro created a single operational role for projects and service?
Voith Hydro said the move creates end-to-end accountability across the customer and asset lifecycle, with one operational ownership for both its New Build/Project business and its Service businesses.
Will Sunil Pandiri remain on the Voith Hydro Management Board?
Yes. He will continue to serve as a member of the Management Board of Voith Hydro, which he joined in 2024.
Where did Sunil Pandiri work before Voith Hydro?
He spent much of his career at Siemens, including leading its global steam turbine service business from 2017 to 2019. He was later CEO of Sykatec GmbH and then CEO of the North Europe & Middle East region at Siemens Gamesa.
