Mr. Sivagnanam has transformed Petromin from a key player in lubricants and automotive services into a comprehensive mobility solutions provider, overseeing eight distinct business verticals that span the entire vehicle lifecycle—from advanced fuel stations and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to cutting-edge fleet management and multimodal mobility solutions.
A flagship achievement during his tenure is the establishment of Electromin, a wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to EV infrastructure. Electromin has pioneered the deployment of over 100 EV charging points across Saudi Arabia, supported by a customer-centric mobile application— the first of its kind in the Kingdom. As the only Saudi company offering multiple technology-driven e-Mobility-as-a-Service (eMaaS) solutions, Electromin plays a pivotal role in shaping the Kingdom’s EV ecosystem. Mr. Sivagnanam’s forward thinking vision has also led to investments in EV maintenance expertise and the launch of Petromin EV Autocare, Saudi Arabia’s first dedicated repair network for EVs and hybrids, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
EXPANDING HORIZONS
Under Mr. Sivagnanam’s strategic direction, Petromin has evolved into a global leader in mobility solutions, positioning itself as the world’s first automotive ecosystem to support the entire customer lifecycle. A notable milestone is the rapid expansion of Petromin Express, a quick-service automotive chain that has redefined vehicle maintenance and repair standards in Saudi Arabia. His leadership also drove the performance of the Nissan dealership in the Kingdom, elevating the brand from the 10th to the 3rd position in market ranking—a testament to his ability to integrate sales and aftersales into a seamless customer experience.
Mr. Sivagnanam’s ambitions extend beyond Saudi Arabia. He has spearheaded Petromin’s international growth into markets such as Egypt, the UAE, Morocco, Pakistan, India, and Malaysia, solidifying its status as a global industry leader. These expansions reflect his vision to position Petromin as a dominant player on the international stage while maintaining operational excellence and customer focus.
A TECH-SAVVY LEADER
Technology is a cornerstone of Mr. Sivagnanam’s growth strategy for Petromin. His emphasis on digital transformation has kept the company at the forefront of industry innovation. In 2022, Petromin acquired SpareIt®, an Indian auto-tech platform, enhancing its technological capabilities.
In 2023, the National Auto Trust Company, a Petromin subsidiary, launched GoGo Motors, a digital automotive marketplace designed to streamline vehicle transactions. Most recently, the company introduced the world’s first conversational agentic AI in the automotive sector, underscoring Mr. Sivagnanam’s commitment to technological leadership.
PEOPLE-FIRST LEADERSHIP
Mr. Sivagnanam’s leadership is characterized by a focus on resilience, loyalty, and sustainable growth over short term profitability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while many organizations resorted to layoffs, he ensured that all Petromin employees retained their positions with full compensation and benefits—a decision that bolstered morale and proved financially prudent. His people-centric approach emphasizes empowerment and collaboration, fostering a culture of mentorship where he actively nurtures talent and inspires teams to align with the company’s mission.
Petromin, under his guidance, adheres to global best practices in corporate governance, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and sustainability. Mr. Sivagnanam champions “Omnipreneurship,” a philosophy that encourages creativity, innovation, and community engagement. Initiatives such as the “Electrify the Road Ahead” ideation competition exemplify his commitment to fostering an innovative and inclusive workplace.
A SUSTAINABILITY ADVOCATE
Sustainability is a strategic priority under Mr. Sivagnanam’s leadership. In 2025, Petromin plans to launch internal campaigns focused on net-zero waste management and eco-friendly fuel station development in Saudi Arabia.
His initiatives include investments in biodegradable lubricants and measures to reduce carbon emissions across all business verticals, aligning with global environmental goals. Recognizing the shift toward green transportation, he has expanded Petromin’s EV charging infrastructure across the MENA region and developed specialized EV maintenance capabilities through partnerships with leading automotive manufacturers.
Beyond innovation, sustainability is a core pillar of his leadership philosophy. His efforts have earned Petromin an “A” rating in the MSCI ESG assessment, reflecting robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. With a target of achieving an “AAA” rating by 2030, Mr. Sivagnanam has embedded sustainability into Petromin’s long-term strategy, ensuring it remains a competitive and responsible industry leader.
Mr. Sivagnanam’s recent leadership of the Strategy Refresh 2030 initiative further demonstrates his strategic foresight. This comprehensive review evaluated Petromin’s performance, analyzed market trends, and assessed competitive dynamics, resulting in a refined corporate strategy and a detailed roadmap for sustainable growth through 2030. His vision positions Petromin as a leader in green technology while advancing its journey toward net-zero emissions.
GARNERING ACCOLADES
Mr. Sivagnanam’s contributions have earned him significant recognition, including the National Auto Award 2023 for Best CEO in the Automotive Sector. Under his leadership, Petromin has received numerous accolades, such as the 2024 Management Excellence Award for Saudi Arabia’s Automotive Services Team and the Middle East Executive of the Year Award. The company also secured the Sustainability Innovation Award for “Innovation in Decarbonizing Company of the Year,” alongside multiple awards for its automotive brands, highlighting its industry leadership and commitment to excellence.
