In a strategic leadership reshuffle aimed at bolstering their presence and growth in the Indian automotive market, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has announced the appointment of new Brand Directors for its Skoda and Volkswagen divisions.
Effective May 1, 2025, Ashish Gupta will take the reins as the Brand Director for Skoda India, while Nitin Kohli will assume the role of Brand Director for Volkswagen Passenger Cars India. This leadership transition underscores SAVWIPL’s commitment to leveraging local expertise and driving a more focused brand strategy for both marques.
Ashish Gupta, who previously held the position of Brand Director for Volkswagen Passenger Cars India for the past five years, will now steer the Skoda brand in India. He succeeds Petr Janeba, who is returning to Skoda Auto’s headquarters in the Czech Republic after a successful tenure in strengthening Skoda’s market position through customer-centric initiatives.
Gupta brings over two decades of extensive experience in the automotive sector, with more than 12 years spent within the Volkswagen Group in various key roles. His proven track record in leading the Volkswagen brand in India, overseeing sales, marketing, network expansion, after-sales, and customer experience, positions him well to accelerate Skoda’s growth trajectory, enhance customer trust, and expand its network presence across the country. His focus will be on building a sharper and more resonant brand identity for Skoda in the Indian market.
Taking over the baton from Ashish Gupta at Volkswagen Passenger Cars India is Nitin Kohli. Kohli joins the Volkswagen leadership team from Audi India, where he was responsible for Sales and Operations. He brings with him a wealth of experience, spanning over 25 years in the automotive sales domain, including more than 12 years within Skoda Auto Volkswagen India.
Known for his strategic insights and expertise in business development, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaborations, Kohli is expected to spearhead Volkswagen’s next phase of growth in the highly competitive Indian market. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to build on Volkswagen’s existing momentum and further strengthen its brand appeal to Indian consumers.
These leadership changes reflect SAVWIPL’s overarching strategy of localising leadership and empowering Indian executives who possess a deep understanding of the nuances of the domestic market. The appointments of Gupta and Kohli are a testament to the company’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and building resilient, future-ready teams within its Indian operations.
Piyush Arora, CEO & Managing Director of SAVWIPL, emphasized that these changes align with the company’s efforts to build capabilities within its Indian operations, ensuring agility and relevance in the evolving business environment. Jan Bures, Board Member and Executive Director for Sales, Marketing & Digital at SAVWIPL, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the customer-centric thinking and impact-driven approach of both Gupta and Kohli.
This leadership transition is part of SAVWIPL’s ongoing transformation journey, aimed at fostering stronger brand synergies and achieving sustained long-term success in the dynamic Indian automotive landscape.
Key Highlights:
- Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has appointed Ashish Gupta as the new Brand Director for Skoda India, succeeding Petr Janeba.
- Nitin Kohli has been appointed as the new Brand Director for Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, taking over from Ashish Gupta.
- Both appointments are effective from May 1, 2025, and aim to strengthen the brands’ presence and growth in the Indian market.
- The leadership changes reflect SAVWIPL’s focus on localising leadership and leveraging the experience of Indian executives.