Renault SAS France has announced a leadership change in India, effective March 1, 2019. Venkatram Mamillapalle will take up the role as the new managing director for Renault India  and head of Renault Operations in India from Sumit Sawhney, who will be moving to a new position within the group.

Commenting on this change, Fabrice Cambolive, senior vice-president, chairman, Africa-Middle-East-India Region, said: “Over the last six years, Sumit has been instrumental in laying a strong foundation for establishing and growing the Renault brand in India. Under his leadership, Renault has become the number one European brand in this highly competitive and dynamic automotive market with two strong pillar models – the Duster and Kwid. Sumit has ensured that the India team, together with all our partners, work towards a single focus of achieving the important ambitions laid out for the Indian market and has also worked towards ensuring the future line up for the country. Sumit will continue to be the member of Africa-Middle East India Region executive committee and his new position will be announced soon”.

Venkatram Mamillapalle, who till recently was the head of Renault-Nissan-Avtovaz Purchasing Organisation in Russia, has extensive automotive experience and has worked with various Indian and global OEM’s. He will report to Fabrice Cambolive.

“India is an important market for Groupe Renault’s future growth plans. I am confident that Venkatram will build on the momentum and will further drive the growth and performance of our operations in India,” concluded Cambolive.