Head Honchos Of Indian Car Makers

[Nairrk]

Audi India Appoints Balbir Singh Dhilon As New Head, Rahil Ansari Moves To Audi's Headquarters

Rahil Ansari, Head- Audi India and Balbir Singh Dhilon who'll take up the position on September 1, 2019.

Balbir Singh Dhilon has replaced Rahil Ansari to become Audi India's new head. Dhilon currently heads dealer development and will be taking up his new position from September 1, 2019. Dhilon has 23 years of experience in the automotive industry and started his second stint with Audi India in July 2018. Dhillon re-joined Audi India in July 2018 after his previous stint between 2007 and 2012 as head of sales field force. He had earlier worked in the Sales department, Network Profitability, Business Strategy and Field Sales. Balbir has also worked with Audi Middle East, Porsche India and Honda India in his previous roles.

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[Akash1886]

Nissan appoints new Managing Director in India

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Gurgaon, India

(September 5, 2019) – Nissan today announced the appointment of Rakesh Srivastava as Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd (NMIPL), reporting to Sinan Ozkok, President of Nissan India Operations.

Sinan Ozkok commented: “I am pleased to welcome Rakesh to the Nissan India team. With his rich experience and deep understanding of the Indian market, I am confident he will strengthen our sales and marketing functions and successfully deliver our customer-centric strategy.”

Rakesh has a proven track record in achieving growth and transformation in the Indian automotive sector and brings with him 30 years’ of successful leadership. He joins Nissan from one of India’s largest conglomerates, the JSW Group, where he worked as Director in charge of electric vehicle development. Prior to that, Rakesh has held senior management positions at Hyundai Motor India and Maruti Suzuki.

Rakesh Srivastava said: “I am excited by the opportunity to build and strengthen Nissan operations for our customers, partners and employees in India. Nissan is an iconic global brand and its leadership in technology and innovation will be a key driver and differentiator towards delivering value and aspiration to our customers in this competitive market.”

Regards
Akash

 

[Akash1886]

Mumbai: Anurag Mehrotra, a key architect of Ford India's alliance with Mahindra & Mahindra, is set to take over as the chief executive of their joint venture on April 1.

Mehrotra, as the managing director of Ford India, was responsible for turning around the maker of the Figo and EcoSport that posted a profit in fiscal 2018 after remaining in the red for years. He will join Mahindra that owns a 51% stake in Mahindra Ford Automotive before formally taking over as the JV’s CEO.

Link

Regards
Akash

 

[Nairrk]

Tata Motors to hive off PV unit; Shailesh Chandra to head the subsidiary, replacing Mayank Pareek

Shailesh Chandra, currently the president of EV and corporate strategy, has been appointed president of the PV business, including EV business, with effect from April 1, 2020. He will replace Mayank Pareek, who will be superannuating from Tata Motors at the end of February 2021, the statement said.

“Shailesh Chandra will be assuming responsibility for the PV business from Mayank Pareek. Shailesh's appointment at the start of the new financial year, (which) gives him the opportunity to shape the organization as we ready it to operate as a subsidiary once the necessary approvals are in place,” it said.

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[Akash1886]

Nissan appoints new Chairman for its Africa, Middle East and India region​

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Dubai, UAE (1st April, 2020) -

Nissan has appointed Guillaume Cartier as Senior Vice President and Chairman for its Africa, Middle East, and India region (AMI) and Head of the Global Datsun Business Unit, effective from April 1st 2020.

In this role, he will lead the regional management committee and be responsible for business strategy and performance with all functional heads for the Nissan brand as well as assume the role of Head of Datsun globally.

Cartier, 51, re-joins Nissan from its Alliance partner Mitsubishi, where he served as Executive Officer and Senior Vice President, Mitsubishi Motors. Prior to that, he has held several senior positons with Nissan, which he first joined in 1995, including SVP Sales & Marketing for Nissan Europe in 2013. With over 25 years serving at Nissan and Mitsubishi across multiple roles covering global and regional operations, Cartier brings a wealth of experience across marketing and sales and a keen focus on business transformation.

Nissan’s global Chief Operating Officer, Ashwini Gupta commented on the appointment of Cartier saying: “The Africa, Middle East and India region continues to be significant for Nissan in terms of long-term growth and potential market share. Cartier brings in a wealth of senior experience from this part of the world, having over 25 years at Nissan, and our alliance partner Mitsubishi, which will be vital in continuing to drive our business forward by meeting the needs of an expanding and evolving customer base.”

Commenting on his appointment, Cartier said: “I am delighted to take on the role of chairman for Africa, Middle East and India region and I look forward to working with our regional leadership to continue growing our presence across our markets. We have a strong positioning in terms of products, services and industrial foot print, as well as an opportunity to expand our Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) platform and innovative approach to mobility solutions across the region.”

“My appointment comes at a time of unprecedented change in our world today. We know these are challenging times for our industry as well as other sectors. This is when we must focus on what matters for us as a global company with a commitment to enrich people’s lives and ensure the health and wellbeing of our customers, business partners and employees.”

Cartier has an MBA form ESSEC Graduate School of Economics and Commerce University. He replaces Peyman Kargar who is taking up a strategic corporate role at Nissan following three years as AMI Chairman and global head of Datsun.

Regards
Akash

 

[Akash1886]

Tata Motors appoints Sudeep Bhalla as the Head of Corporate Communications​

Mumbai, 7th April 2020:

Tata Motors today announced the appointment of Sudeep Bhalla as the Head of Corporate Communications, Tata Motors.

Sudeep will oversee all the activities and operations of the Communications function for Tata Motors, effective April 7, 2020. He will be based out of Mumbai and report into Mr. Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD, Tata Motors.

Commenting on the announcement, Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD, Tata Motors, said, "We are happy to welcome Sudeep to the Tata Motors Family. Sudeep’s rich experience of over two decades across various facets of Public Relations and Corporate Communications will help further strengthen the team. We are extremely confident that his energy and expertise will help further drive the growth of brand Tata Motors.”

An alumnus of the Institute of Management Development and Research, Pune, Sudeep brings with him a vast experience in Financial & Telecom sector. Prior to this, Sudeep led Corporate Communications and sustainability function at Vodafone Idea Ltd.

Regards
Akash

 

[350Z]

Quick note: The opening post has been updated with the list of new CEOs as well as brands in India.

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350Z

 

[Akash1886]

Abbey Thomas, Head of Marketing, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India

Regards
Akash

 

[Nairrk]

Great Wall Motor Appoints James Yang And Parker Shi To Lead Its India Business

GMW India has appointed James Yang as President. ​

Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) is ready to begin India operations with the Haval brand. It had put up a massive display at the Auto Expo 2020 showcasing a wide range of Haval SUVs including the Concept H with which it will make its India Debut. Great Wall Motor will be spending ₹ 7,000 crore in its research and development centre and will acquire General Motor's Talegaon plant in Maharashtra. Now the company has also finalising its management personnel in India and has appointed James Yang as its President in India while Parker Shi will be the Managing Director.

Parker Shi will be the Managing Director of GWM India.​

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[Nairrk]

Vikram Pawah Appointed President, BMW Group India

Vikram Pawah has been appointed as the President of BMW Group India effective August 1, 2020 along with his present role as Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Australia and New Zealand. Pawah has been with the BMW Group since 2017 when he joined BMW Group India as the President. In 2018, he was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Australia and New Zealand. In April 2020, the sudden demise of Rudratej Singh, President and Chief Executive Officer, created an unprecedented situation at BMW Group India. Since then, Arlindo Teixeira, Chief Financial Officer has been carrying out the role as acting President.

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[Nairrk]

Skoda Auto Appoints Thomas Schafer As New Chairman Of The Board

New Delhi: Skoda Auto on Monday announced that Thomas Schäfer has taken over as the Chairman of the Board with immediate effect.

In this position, he succeeds Bernhard Maier, who is handing over the office to his successor after almost five years at the helm, the carmaker said in a release.

Schäfer began his career in the automotive industry at Daimler AG in 1991. He held various management positions in the areas of production and quality management in Germany, the USA and South Africa until 2002.

From 2002 to 2005, he was a founding member of Daimler Chrysler Malaysia as Board Member for Technology, where he expanded and restructured the company’s sales, production, and supplier base.

At Daimler AG in Germany, Schäfer was responsible for vehicle deliveries, customer centres and the global xKD business in emerging markets between 2005 and 2012. In addition to establishing new plants, he was also responsible for planning and strategy and international logistics for all foreign plants.

In 2011, his main tasks included managing the Mercedes-Benz plant construction project in cooperation with BAIC in China. In May 2012, Schäfer moved to Volkswagen AG, where he initially headed the Group’s International Production and was responsible for xKD projects and negotiations on new production sites.

Since 2015, he has served as Chairman and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa, responsible for the development of the Group brands in the sub-Saharan Africa region.

Throughout his five-year tenure, he consistently promoted the expansion of the sales network, increased dealer profitability and led the Group brands Volkswagen, Audi and VW Commercial Vehicles to the current record market share of 23.5 percent.

The company said that under the leadership of Thomas Schäfer, the Volkswagen Group has significantly developed and strengthened its position in sub-Saharan Africa. "Building new production sites, entering into new cooperation agreements with importers and developing mobility concepts for Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Ghana have also contributed to this," added the automaker.

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[Nairrk]

Jim Farley to replace Jim Hackett as Ford’s CEO and President

Ford has appointed a new global boss – former Toyota and Lexus executive Jim Farley – after current CEO Jim Hackett announced he will retire in October, following three years in the top job.
Mr Farley joined Ford 13 years ago – in 2007 – after 17 years in senior roles at Toyota and Lexus USA.

Most recently, Mr Farley held senior international roles with Ford; until his promotion to CEO he was chief operating officer, had been previously responsible for future strategy, and also oversaw the company’s global markets.

The two executives will work side-by-side over the next two months during a handover period.

Mr Hackett, 65, joined Ford in May 2017 and was hired for his expertise in turning businesses around.

Mr Farley, 58, is only the sixth global Ford CEO in 20 years; he will take over the role from October 2020.

Mr Farley began his automotive career with Toyota in 1990 but joined Ford in 2007. His grandfather worked at Henry Ford's River Rouge Plant in 1914.

In a media statement, the company said under Jim Hackett’s leadership “Ford moved aggressively into the new era of smart vehicles and drove a deeper focus on customers’ wants and needs.”

“At the same time, Ford improved the fitness of the base business – restructuring operations, invigorating the product portfolio and reducing bureaucracy,” the Ford media statement said.

William Clay Ford Junior, the great-grandson of founder Henry Ford and executive chairman of the company, said in a media statement: “I am very grateful to Jim Hackett for all he has done to modernize Ford and prepare us to compete and win in the future.”

Announcing the new boss, Mr Ford added: “Jim Farley matches an innate feel for cars and customers with great instincts for the future and the new technologies that are changing our industry.”

Mr Farley joined Ford in 2007 as global head of marketing and sales, and went on to lead Lincoln, Ford South America, Ford of Europe and all Ford global markets in successive roles.
In April 2019, Mr Farley was promoted to head Ford’s New Businesses, Technology & Strategy team, responsible for software platforms, connectivity, artificial intelligence, automation, and “new forms of propulsion”.

Mr Farley was named chief operating officer in February 2020.

Mr Hackett will continue as a special advisor to Ford through March of 2021.

“I have worked side-by-side with Jim Farley for the past three years and have the greatest confidence in him as a person and a leader,” said Mr Hackett in a media statement.

“He has been instrumental in crafting our new product portfolio and redesigning our businesses around the world. He is also a change agent with a deep understanding of how to lead Ford in this new era defined by smart vehicles in a smart world.”

Source: Caradvice.com

 

[350Z]

Marc Llistosella will be the new CEO and MD of Tata Motors w.e.f 1st July 2021. The current CEO Guenter Butschek will relocate to Germany at the end of the contract for personal reasons.



Marc Llistosella's Profile:​

Mr Marc Llistosella is an experienced automotive executive with a long track record in greenfield projects, turnaround management and leading organizations as CEO and managing director.
Marc passionately believes in mobility by data analytics, the importance of electrification and renewable energies.

He is currently the Board Member of Einride and prior to that he was associated for a long time with Daimler Trucks. Most recently he was the President and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation between 2015-2018 where he worked on improving the profitability and sales potential of the business.

Prior to that, between 2008-2014 for an extended period he was based out of India as the Managing Director and CEO of Daimler Commercial Vehicles India where he built a greenfield organization and business unit to develop, produce and sell trucks and launched BharatBenz in 2012 and made it a successful brand in a short period of time.

Mr Llistosella has extensive experience in leading business and running sales, marketing and network management as well as strategic planning

He finished his university education from the University of Cologne and is an accomplished automotive executive.

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[350Z]

Mr.Jyoti Malhotra will be the new CEO of Volvo India w.e.f 1st March 2021. He’s presently Director Sales & Marketing. This is the first time Volvo India will have an Indian CEO.

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Press Release:

Volvo Cars India today announced that Jyoti Malhotra has been appointed as Managing Director of the company. 49 year old Jyoti Malhotra will be the first Indian to head the company in India. Jyoti, currently serves as the Director Sales & Marketing. He joined the company in August 2016. Charles Frump has been at the helm since October 2017. Charles has completed a successful tenure in India and is moving over to another global assignment. Jyoti takes over from Charles on March 1, 2021.

Charles has steered Volvo Cars India towards becoming a major luxury car player in the Indian automobile industry. During his tenure, the company started its local production in India, introduced new generation models to offer the unique Swedish luxury experience to its customers and expanded Volvo’s footprint in India. Under Charles’ leadership, Volvo Car India delivered record results in both market share and earnings.

Charles also successfully led the company during the most critical COVID lockdown period. The company has an ambitious plan of going for Electric vehicles beginning with a soon-to-be launched XC40 Recharge.

“India is one of the most dynamic automobile markets in the world and it has been an honour to be a part of the same for over three years now. My journey during this time has been very exciting. We expanded our footprint in India, initiated customer focused programs, rolled out our product facility and made the luxury car ownership experience extremely convenient and simple. At present, we are at a critical juncture in the Indian market where the industry is moving towards a significant transformation to electric mobility and I am confident Jyoti will lead the company through this phase in an extremely seamless manner. And I feel extremely proud to announce Jyoti as the first Indian to head the company in India” said Charles Frump Managing Director, Volvo Cars India.

Jyoti has over 24 years of automotive experience in Sales & Marketing domain. He has held national, regional and local positions in various automotive companies in India namely Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki and Fiat Auto India before taking over as Director Marketing and Sales in Volvo Car India.

Jyoti Malhotra holds MBA & Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Pune University. He has also completed Global Program for Management Development from the University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business. He has been in the automobile sector from the very beginning, having worked with leading brands in India. On his new responsibility Malhotra said, “It is indeed a challenge to take over from Charles who was instrumental in growing the company to its present level. These are exciting times with the Indian automobile sector being on the phase of transition to the Electric vehicle era. Volvo India is gearing up for the same and I look forward to this major shift in our company’s offerings. I thank Charles for his contributions towards the development of Volvo Car brand in India and I wish him success in his future endeavors.”

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[350Z]

Nissan Motor has announced Guillaume Cartier as its new Chairperson for the Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) region.​

Effective April 1st, Cartier will lead all Nissan operations in the region, which covers more than 140 markets across four continents with a population of around 3.8 billion people, representing more than 30% of global vehicle sales.

With over 25 years’ experience at Nissan and in the Alliance in global and regional leadership positions, Cartier will lead the new region as the Nissan NEXT transformation plan continues to gather pace and with key models in Europe including Qashqai and Ariya launching soon, and as the brand continues to grow in the AMIO markets, thanks to a powerful vehicle line-up ranging from the iconic Patrol to the recently launched Magnite in India.

Cartier said: “I am thrilled to be leading this culturally rich and diverse region into a period of unprecedented change for the automotive industry, and with a refreshed range of Nissan models and technologies coming to the market.

“A new period of sustainable growth is beginning for Nissan, as we continue to progress the Nissan NEXT transformation plan, accelerating our journey towards a fully electrified line-up in Europe by 2023, and bringing our enhanced product line-up to our growing loyal customer base in Africa, the Middle East, India and Oceania.”

Currently Vice-Chairperson of the AMIEO region and AMI President, Cartier first joined Nissan in 1995 as after-sales manager and went on to hold a number of senior management positions in the Alliance, including AMI Chairperson, head of the Global Datsun Business Unit, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President for Mitsubishi Motors, and Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing in Europe. Cartier will report to vice-chief performance officer and chief quality officer, Christian Vandenhende.

Cartier will replace Gianluca De Ficchy, who served for three years as Chairperson of Nissan Europe and latterly of the expanded AMIEO region. De Ficchy takes on a new senior role within the Alliance which is a subject of a separate release.

De Ficchy said: “I have been proud to lead the region through a challenging period, and I am confident that the company is now in a stronger position and with a solid base for future growth. I would like to thank the full team in AMIEO and wish them every success for the future.”

Cartier will be replaced as AMIEO Region Senior Vice President for Sales & Marketing by Leon Dorssers also effective from April 1st and reporting to Cartier covering all AMIEO Region Sales & Marketing functions including Sales, Dealer Network, Product Strategy & Pricing, Brand and Customer Experience.

Currently based at Global Headquarters in Japan as Senior Vice President for Global Sales, Product Marketing and Customer Quality & Dealer Network Development, Dorssers joined Nissan as a graduate trainee in 1992 and has since held multiple sales & marketing functions in country, regional and global leadership positions.

Dorssers said: “The new AMIEO region will enable Nissan to be more competitive across our operations and allow us to deploy the latest technologies consistently and faster to our customers across the region.

“With models like Ariya, Qashqai, Magnite and Kicks, and technologies like e-POWER and ProPILOT, we’ve already given our customers a taste of what’s to come from Nissan, and the coming years will be even more innovative and electrified.”

Drive Safe,
350Z