Rane Group chairman L Ganesh to retire, Harish Lakshman to take over from April 2024

The Chennai-headquartered Rane Group has announced leadership changes at the Board level. Chairman L Ganesh has decided to retire from the operating entities of the Rane Group, effective March 31, 2024. He will serve as a non-executive director on these entities and continue as chairman and managing director of Rane Holdings.

L Ganesh, who became chairman of Rane Group in November 2006, pioneered the TQM movement and three of Rane businesses won the coveted Deming Grand Prize under his leadership. In November 2022, he was conferred with the prestigious Deming Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the dissemination and promotion (overseas) of TQM in 2022. During his tenure, the group has grown from Rs 1,050 crore to about Rs 7,200 crores and export sales have risen from 12% to 24 percent.

Harish Lakshman will take over as chairman of Rane Group, effective from April 1, 2024. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from BITS, Pilani, and a master’s degree in business from Krannert School of Management at Purdue University, USA. He joined ZF Rane Automotive India (erstwhile Rane TRW Steering Systems) as AGM – Marketing in 1998. He held positions of increasing responsibilities in the areas of marketing and operations and became managing director in 2008. Harish Lakshman was involved in the corporate management of Rane Group from 2012 and became its vice-chairman in 2017.

L Ganesh, Chairman, Rane Group said: “It was a privilege to serve as chairman of Rane Group for the past 18 years. I am proud of the significant progress we have made together in expanding the customer base, enhancing the global presence, driving the operational efficiencies and strengthening the leadership position in the industry. I am extremely grateful to the Board of Directors, our dedicated employees, and our customers for their unwavering support during my tenure. I would like to congratulate Harish and wish him the best.”

Harish Lakshman, vice-chairman, Rane Group added, “I’m honoured to take over as the chairman of the group. I would like to thank Mr. Ganesh for his leadership and driving the group to scale new heights and become a trusted supplier of safety critical components globally. As we look ahead, we will remain the partner of choice to customers globally and ensure highest standards of ethics and deliver value to our stakeholders – customers, vendors, employees, shareholders and society.”

The Chennai-headquartered Rane Group is engaged primarily in manufacturing of auto components for over five decades. It is a preferred supplier to major OEMs in India and abroad. Through its group companies, it manufactures steering and suspension systems, friction materials, valvetrain components, occupant safety systems, and light metal casting products. Its products serve a variety of industry segments including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, farm tractors, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, railways and stationery engines.