Škoda Auto Volkswagen India has appointed two new Brand Directors, Ashish Gupta and Nitin Kohli, to lead Škoda India and Volkswagen passenger cars, respectively. This move is a testament to the company’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing indigenous talent, as well as empowering leaders who understand the Indian market. Gupta, who has been with the Volkswagen group for over 12 years, will focus on accelerating Škoda’s growth strategy in India, enhancing customer trust, and expanding the network. He replaces Petr Janeba, who will return to Škoda Auto in the Czech Republic after playing a crucial role in shaping the company’s growth in India.
Nitin Kohli, who has over 25 years of experience in automotive sales, including 12 years with Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, will take over as Brand Director of Volkswagen passenger cars. Kohli has a proven track record of developing and executing strategies, and his expertise will be invaluable in driving the Volkswagen brand forward in India. Piyush Arora, CEO and Managing Director of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, emphasized the company’s commitment to localisation and development of capabilities within the Indian organisation. He stated that empowering strong Indian leaders is a core element of the company’s growth strategy, ensuring that the company stays agile and relevant in the evolving Indian market.
The leadership change is part of the company’s ongoing transformation efforts, which aim to nurture local talent, foster cross-brand synergies, and build a strong foundation for continued success in India. Arora expressed gratitude to Petr Janeba for his valuable contribution during his time with the company and wished him well in his future role. With Gupta and Kohli at the helm, Škoda and Volkswagen are poised for growth and success in the Indian market. The company’s focus on localisation and empowerment of Indian leaders is expected to yield positive results, as it aligns with the evolving needs of customers and the business environment. Overall, the appointments of Gupta and Kohli are a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards achieving its goals in India.