The Mahindra Group has announced a series of senior leadership appointments across its key business sectors, reinforcing its commitment to leveraging internal talent for future growth and innovation.
Hemant Sikka, currently President of the Farm Equipment Sector (FES), has been named Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mahindra Logistics Ltd. (MLL), following the decision of current CEO Ram Swaminathan to step down and pursue other professional interests.
“We believe that MLL has tremendous potential for growth and value creation and are committed to realising this potential. Hemant is one of our top leaders and brings with him a powerful combination of strategic skills, operational rigour, customer centricity and people leadership capabilities,” the company said in a statement.
Veejay Nakra, currently President of the Automotive Division, will now serve as President of the Farm Equipment Business (FEB). FEB is one of Mahindra’s most profitable segments, boasting a Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of over 60%.
“There is a huge opportunity for us to grow the business profitably through tractors, farm machinery and globalisation. Veejay joined M&M in 1995 and has a strong proven track record of creating a turnaround of the Auto Business with successful launches, while building world class manufacturing capability, along with shaping the growth strategy for our international businesses. He is very well poised to lead FEB into the future,” the company noted. Nakra will continue to report to Rajesh Jejurikar.
In another major shift, R Velusamy, currently President of Automotive Technology and Product Development, has been appointed President of the Automotive Business (AB). The move is aimed at integrating the SUV and Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) businesses (under 3.5 tonnes) to strengthen agility and collaboration across engineering and market functions.
“The role would have end-to-end responsibility of all functions within the Auto Business with P&L delivery. Velu joined M&M in 1996 and after successfully creating world class powertrains, he then has been instrumental in the development and successful launch of several ICE flagship products and Mahindra’s Electric Vehicle portfolio,” the company highlighted. Velusamy will also report to Rajesh Jejurikar.
Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, commented on the appointments, stating, “These leadership changes 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. We thank Ram for his contributions to the company, and wish Hemant, Veejay, and Velu the very best for the journey ahead.”
