Mahindra Group has announced senior leadership appointments across businesses, picking talent from its internal pool.
Hemant Sikka, the current president of the farm equipment sector (FES), has been appointed as the MD & CEO of Mahindra Logistics (MLL) by the MLL Board. Sikka is a leader known for his strategic skills, operational rigour, customer centricity and people-leadership capabilities. He will step into the shoes of Ram Swaminathan, the current CEO, who is moving on in pursuit of other professional interests.
Veejay Nakra, president, automotive division, Mahindra Group, will take on the role of president, farm equipment business (FEB). This is among the Group’s largest and most profitable businesses. Nakra will be tasked with growing the business profitably through tractors, farm machinery and globalisation. Nakra’s association with the Mahindra Group began way back in 1994 when he joined Mahindra & Mahindra, serving as chief of sales and marketing and going on to become VP-sales. Under his leadership, the Group saw a turnaround of the auto business with successful launches, while building world class manufacturing capability, along with shaping the growth strategy for its international businesses.
R Velusamy, president, automotive technology and product development, has been chosen for the role of president of the automotive business (AB). The plan is to integrate the SUV and LCV (less than 3.5 tonne) business, under one leader. Veluswamy will be responsible for preparing for a future with technology innovation and lead opportunities for growth in domestic as well as global markets. His focus is expected to be on building greater agility and collaboration, both in engineering our products and taking them to market. The role will have end-to-end responsibility of all functions within the auto business with P&L delivery. Velusamy joined M&M in 1996 and after successfully creating world class power trains, he helped develop and launch several ICE flagship products and Mahindra’s Electric Vehicle portfolio.
Anish Shah, group CEO & managing director, M&M, believes, “These leadership changes will ensure that we have strong, proven leaders at the helm of our key businesses. Their experience will enable us to drive significant growth and create greater value for our customers and shareholders.”
