June 21, 2012: Ashok Leyland has announced the appointment of N V Balachandar as the new executive director – Human Resources. He brings with him over 20 years of experience in the field of HR that includes considerable stints with the Taj Group of Hotels, where he started his career and the Aditya Birla Group. Balachandar is an accomplished trainer certified by the National Training Laboratory of the US and has extensive experience in organisational re-structuring for business growth.

Associated with many HR industry bodies, he has also been recognised as an outstanding HR professional for two consecutive years. He is married with two children, loves travel and has a deep interest in South Indian temple architecture. He takes over the reins from Shekhar Arora, who was with Ashok Leyland for over 30 years. Arora will continue his association with the company as executive director, HR - Strategy and, at the same time, mentor Balachandar during the transition process.

Ashok Leyland sold a total of 8,649 vehicles in May 2012, including 2,305 Dosts. The Dost small commercial vehicle is making considerable headway and has totaled 4,253 sales in the first two months of 2012-13.

In 2011-12, the CV manufacturer sold a total of 102,009 vehicles including 7,593 Dosts.