Exclusive: Ex-Triumph India MD Vimal Sumbly likely to join Royal Enfield

Autocar Professional has just learnt that Vimal Sumbly, ex-managing director, Triumph Motorcycles India, is likely to join Royal Enfield in his next assignment. Although both, Royal Enfield and Sumbly are yet to confirm the new development, reliable sources tell this publication that he will soon assume a senior role in the leadership team overseeing the sales and marketing vertical at the Eicher Motors-owned motorcycle brand.

Earlier, while Triumph Motorcycles India confirmed the development on August 3 on his leaving the company, , Sumbly took to his Twitter handle to confirm the same on August 4.

“Vimal Sumbly is heading to Royal Enfield and he will take up the role in the sales and marketing domain. Having worked for Bajaj Auto in the past, and being known for setting up the India operations for UK’s Triumph Motorcycles, Sumbly brings to the table his expertise in driving sales for the premium motorcycle range. Not to forget, he had established Triumph’s foothold in India when Harley-Davidson already had a solid presence in the premium motorcycle category. It could be logically understood that Royal Enfield looks at the strategic hiring of Sumbly just before the rollout of its premium 650cc twins,” revealed a source, who requested anonymity.

Sources say that Shaji Koshy, who is currently heading the India business for Royal Enfield, is approaching retirement age in the near future, and that the senior leadership is looking at experienced hands to manage sales and marketing operations for the surging motorcycle brand.

According to industry insiders, at Royal Enfield, Sumbly may report to Koshy, who is a veteran in the automotive industry with more than 12 years of experience with the motorcycle brand alone. Nevertheless, this remains subject to an official statement from the company.

Royal Enfield readies 650cc twins for launch
While we await official confirmation, the new development does highlight Royal Enfield’s aggressive plans on the incoming 650cc twins – the Interceptor and the Continental GT. The commercial launch of both the premium motorcycles is expected during this festive season, first in the global markets followed by India.

Notably, with Sumbly, who is credited with providing legitimate traction to the off-road riding initiatives including setting up the Triumph Tiger Training Academy in his previous role, on board, Royal Enfield may plan to revive customer interest around the single-cylinder, 411cc Himalayan adventure bike going forward.