Ashok Leyland's Managing Director and CEO is to step down from his position with effect from December 31, 2021. The company has issued a statement that due to some personal and family commitments in the post-Covid pandemic situation, his extended presence is required in New Delhi. Sondhi had taken charge on December 12, 2019.
To assist in business continuity, the company Board has called upon chairman Dheeraj Hinduja to step in as executive chairman with immediate effect. The Board will meet shortly to decide on the further course of action for identifying the next CEO and MD.
Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said: “I would like to place on record Vipin’s significant contribution in Ashok Leyland navigating the disruption caused by the Covid19 pandemic and seeding firm actions to pursue our Vision. We wish Vipin the very best in all his future endeavors”.
Vipin Sondhi said, “I consider it an honour to have led this great organization. My decision is purely a personal one as I need to take care of my personal and family responsibilities, which have become a top priority. Working with the Hinduja family and the leadership team at Ashok Leyland has been an enriching experience. That we have been able to meet all the challenges head-on despite the global pandemic and continue on our growth path has been very satisfying. I would like to thank the Board for its continuous support and my committed team across Ashok Leyland for their tireless work and co-operation to ensure that we move closer to our vision to emerge as one of the top 10 CV makers in the world.”
Vipin Sondhi joined the Hinduja Group in November 2019 from JCB, where he was the MD and CEO - India, South East Asia & Pacific and a member of their Global Executive Leadership Team. He was MD and CEO of JCB India for about 14 years associated closely with the transformation of JCB's lndia portfolio into a leadership position by ushering in global standards of design, quality and manufacturing.