Lt Gen Vinod Nayanar, AVSM has assumed the position of Director General Artillery since 01 Aug 2010. He takes over from Lt Gen KR Rao, PVSM, AVSM, VSM who superannuated from service on 31 Jul 2010. Lt Gen KR Rao in his 39 years of eventful career has held various staff and command appointments while serving in all terrains from Siachen to the Deserts. He has the rare distinction of having served in all the Strike Corps of the Indian Army at various appointments including the General Officer Commanding, Artillery Division. He has also taken part in 1971 War and Operation Pawan in Sri Lank.

His earlier appointment as Director General Manpower and Personnel Services include landmark contributions to the Indian Army like VI Central Pay Commission, AVSC II Distribution and Implementation Modalities, Granting Permanent Commission to Woman Officers, Reviewing Various Entry Schemes to Overcome the Shortage of Officers, etc. He later assumed the appointment of the Commandant School of Artillery, the Alma Mater of the Gunner fraternity. As the Director General of Artillery he spearheaded the modernization of Artillery and was instrumental in given impetus to several acquisition of new generation equipment.

The General Officer has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal and Vishist Seva Medal for distinguished services.

Lt Gen Vinod Nayanar takes over as the Director General Artillery. Lt Gen Vinod Nayanar during his distinguished career has held many prestigious command and staff appointments and has also held various appointments in counter insurgency environment in J&K. While at the Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army), he has held various appointments in Directorate of Financial Planning and Military Secretary Branch. Presently the General Officer is Commandant School of Artillery since Jun 2009.