Four and a half years after he left the Indian market, where he headed Skoda India Auto to join the Volkswagen Group, Thomas Kuehl has returned as president of Nissan India. It was rumoured that he would be returning to India to replace Thierry Lespiaucq at Volkswagen India but that has not happened.

Kuehl replaces Guillaume Sicard, who stepped down from the role as President, India Operations recently to take up a new post with Alliance partner Renault as vice-president (Sales and Marketing), Asia Pacific and Managing Director, South Asia.

Thomas Kuehl’s new India stint as president, Nissan India Operations, is effective from October 1, 2017.

In this role Kuehl will be responsible for both Nissan and Datsun brands and will head all operations in India including marketing and sales, manufacturing and research and development.

“Nissan India is an increasingly important part of Nissan’s future growth plans,” said Peyman Kargar, chairman of Nissan’s Africa, Middle East and India region. “Thanks to his diverse and deep global auto industry experience, Thomas will help drive our business forward with a focus on delivering the best products and satisfaction for our customers, dealers and employees in India.”

Kuehl has over 22 years of automotive experience in different countries and different areas of the value chain, as well as a deep knowledge of the Indian market gained during his time as brand head of Skoda Auto India and executive director - Corporate Strategy for Volkswagen Group, India.

Commenting on his appointment, Thomas Kuehl said, “I am excited to be returning to India with Nissan. I have first-hand experience of the dynamism and great potential of India, which is on track to become one of the top three auto markets worldwide.”

“Nissan is also poised for significant growth with an expanding range of great products, technologies and services across the Nissan and Datsun brands and a well-established and quality-driven national retail network, supported by local production and R&D in Chennai”, added Thomas.

Kuehl will be based in the headquarters of Nissan India Motors in Gurgaon and report directly to Peyman Kargar.