Schaeffler India appoints Sumithasri Eranti as its new chairperson

Automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler India has appointed Ms. Sumithasri Eranti as the new Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

Ms. Eranti, who has over 25 years of experience in business leadership, technology, consulting and the financial services industry, has been an independent director of Schaeffler India since 2020. 

She has held various roles in technology companies – global service portfolio leadership, CXO collaboration, P&L ownership, large account management, business consulting and product development. She possesses multi-cultural experience of living/working in 11 countries including Germany, India, USA, UK and The Netherlands.

Ms. Eranti takes over as the Chairperson from Avinash Gandhi who has retired after leading the company for over 20 years. Her appointment is a significant milestone for Schaeffler India, which is committed to promote diversity and inclusion.

"I am honored to have been chosen as the new Chairperson of the Board. I thank the Board of directors for their trust and support," said Sumithasri Eranti. "I am excited to work with the talented members of the board and the management team of Schaeffler India "

With innovative technologies, products, and services for electric mobility, CO₂-efficient drives, Industry 4.0, digitalisation, and renewable energies, Schaeffler is a leading partner for the automotive industry. The technology company manufactures high-precision components and systems for powertrain and chassis applications as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications.

Schaeffler's strong India footprint
The Schaeffler Group generated sales of approximately 13.9 billion euros in 2021. With around 83,000 employees, Schaeffler is one of the world’s largest family companies. With more than 1,800 patent applications in 2021, Schaeffler is Germany’s third most innovative company according to the DPMA (German Patent and Trademark Office).

Schaeffler has been present in India for over 50 years. With three well known product brands (LuK, INA and FAG), four manufacturing plants and eight sales offices, the company has a significant presence in India.

Schaeffler is among the largest industrial and automotive suppliers with sales of Rs 55.6 billion in 2021 and around 2,922 employees. The manufacturing plants in Maneja and Savli (Vadodara), produce a vast range of ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, spherical roller bearings and wheel bearings that are sold under the brand name of FAG. The plant at Talegaon near Pune, manufactures engine and powertrain components for front accessory drive system, chain drive systems, valve train, gear shift systems and a range of needle roller bearings and elements, under the brand INA. The fourth manufacturing location is based out of Hosur, producing a wide range of clutches and hydraulic clutch release systems for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles and tractors sold under the brand of LuK.

Schaeffler also has the largest aftermarket networks serving the industrial and automotive customers. All of this is backed by dedicated engineering, research and development support based in India in support of product teams.

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