Tripathi is an IAS officer of 1980 batch of the Assam Meghalaya cadre. He has held various posts in central as well as state governments.
Before taking his present charge, he was Secretary in the Central Vigilance Commission, Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
At DPE, Tripathi's biggest challenge will be to make state-owned firms more effective and professionally-run, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
With improvement in market sentiments witnessed over the last few months, more cash-rich PSUs may witness divestment.