Mahesh Kodumudi, president and managing director, Volkswagen India, has been appointed Group chief representative for the Volkswagen Group in India with immediate effect. He takes over this additional role, which was formerly held by Gerasimos Dorizas, who returned to Europe in December 2013.

Meanwhile, from May 1, 2014, Thierry Lespiaucq will take over as managing director, Volkswagen Group Sales India. This follows the resignation of Arvind Saxena as director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Division in India. Saxena takes over as GM India’s new president and managing director from March 1.

Thierry Lespiaucq, currently Volkswagen brand director, Volkswagen de Mexico, has been appointed managing director, Volkswagen Group Sales India. He succeeds Kodumudi, who had temporarily taken over the additional responsibilities as head of Volkswagen Group Sales India last December.

Lespiaucq has been in the automotive industry for 35 years. He joined the Volkswagen Group as director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars for Volkswagen Group France in May 2004. Before joining Volkswagen Group, he was CEO of Renault-Nissan Suisse and Toyota France and spent 14 years at General Motors handling sales, aftersales and service.

 Photograph (L-R): Thierry Lespiaucq and Mahesh Kodumudi.