Schaeffler India appoints Sharad Bhatia as Head of Vehicle Lifetime Solutions Business Division

Schaeffler India has announced the appointment of Sharad Bhatia as Head of Vehicle Lifetime Solutions (VLS), effective December 2, 2024. In his new role, Bhatia will spearhead Schaeffler India’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the mobility ecosystem, reinforcing the company's commitment to providing sustainable, advanced solutions in motion technology.

Mr Bhatia has over 24 years of extensive experience in the automotive parts industry. He has a proven track record in establishing robust business platforms and launching innovative product lines tailored to meet evolving customer needs. The company states that "his expertise in the aftermarket service parts sector is a valuable asset for Schaeffler India, particularly as the company expands its VLS business segment aimed at enhancing vehicle longevity and sustainability through advanced technological solutions."

In addition to his experience in India, he has held positions in various multinational organizations across international markets, including Indonesia, China, and Singapore and Italy.

Commenting on the appointment,  Harsha Kadam, MD & CEO of Schaeffler India, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Sharad Bhatia to Schaeffler India as Head of Vehicle Lifetime Solutions. The Vehicle Lifetime Solutions business is an important business division for the Strategic growth of Schaeffler in India. His extensive background in the aftermarket business, combined with his experience in multinational markets, aligns well with our strategic goals. Sharad’s leadership will be pivotal in strengthening and enhancing the agility of our VLS business, further reinforcing our commitment to sustainable motion technology solutions in India.”

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role,  Sharad Bhatia said: “I am excited to join Schaeffler India at a time when the automotive industry is rapidly transforming. My focus will be on expanding our aftermarket solutions portfolio by leveraging advanced motion technology to deliver value and innovation. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Schaeffler India to strengthen our Vehicle Lifetime Solutions division and provide our customers with sustainable, reliable, and forward-looking solutions.”

Sharad Bhatia holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Pune University (1998) and an Executive MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta (2009). His certification in advanced technology for E-mobility from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi in 2022 further underscores his forward-looking vision in the automotive sector, particularly as India’s mobility landscape continues to transition towards greener solutions.