Technocrat and an auto industry veteran, Dr Venkatarami Sumantran now takes on a new role as a Board member in an airline. InterGlobe Aviation  (IndiGo) has appointed Dr Sumantran as an Independent Director for a period of 5 years. 

Holder of a doctorate degree in aerospace engineering and a Master’s degree in Technology Management, Dr V Sumantran has had over 35 years of experience in the automotive industry in USA, Europe and India.
Dr Sumantran had a 16-year stint at General Motors, USA and Europe, before joining Tata Motors as executive director – passenger vehicles business unit from 2001-2005. He then took on the twin role of executive vice-chairman, Hinduja Automotive, UK and vice-chairman, Ashok Leyland.
Dr Sumantran founded Celeris Technologies in 2014, an advisory firm to multiple domains including automotive, mobility, digital transformation, aerospace, and technology. He also serves on several statutory boards and advisory boards in India, Europe and USA. He is also an Adjunct Professor at MISI-Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The technocrat and strategist also co-authored a book ‘Faster, Smarter, Greener: the Future of the Car and Urban Mobility’ in 2017.

Commenting on his new role, Dr Sumantran said, "I feel privileged to join the board of directors of InterGlobe Aviation Limited. In a relatively short time, IndiGo has not only established itself as a market leader, but has also set new benchmarks in professionalism, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors as they propel the organisation towards a more successful flight path.”

M Damodaran, Chairman, InterGlobe Aviation says, “I am delighted to welcome Dr Sumantran as an Independent Director on the Board of Directors of InterGlobe Aviation Limited. His intellectual prowess, analytical bent of mind, objectivity, wide-ranging experience and deep understanding of the aviation sector, will considerably strengthen the Board.”

Cars, motorbikes and aeroplanes form the ring of strong interest for the seasoned professional. Not many may know that he also holds an aircraft pilot’s licence.