Avinash Rao Appointed MD & CEO of Mahindra Susten

Mahindra Susten Private Limited, the renewable energy arm of the Mahindra Group, has announced the appointment of Avinash Rao as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment is effective from September 24, 2025.

In his new role, Rao will lead the company’s strategic growth initiatives, focusing on expanding and diversifying its portfolio across the renewable energy value chain. Mahindra Susten currently has over 1.6 GW of commissioned renewable energy projects and a development pipeline of nearly 3.6 GW, spanning solar, wind, hybrid projects, and commercial and industrial (C&I) solutions. The company is also building capabilities in energy storage and integrated clean energy solutions.

Rao brings nearly three decades of experience in the energy sector, with expertise spanning conventional power, transmission, and renewable energy. He has previously held leadership positions at Sustainable Energy Infra Investment Managers Pvt. Ltd., where he served as CEO and was the investment manager for India’s largest pure-play renewable energy Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT). Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Sekura India Management Limited and CLP India, where he played a key role in scaling renewable energy businesses.

Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO and MD of the Mahindra Group, commented on the appointment, noting that sustainability and climate action are central to the group’s long-term vision. He highlighted Mahindra Susten’s 15-year track record in the sector and said Rao’s experience in platform development, investment, and operations would support the company’s growth and stakeholder value creation.

Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, a long-term investor in Mahindra Susten, also acknowledged the appointment. Bruce Crane, Executive Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific at Ontario Teachers’, expressed confidence in the company’s continued growth and reaffirmed the investor’s support for its clean energy objectives.

Mahindra Susten, established as a leading independent power producer (IPP) in India, has delivered over 4 GWp of renewable energy projects under engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts. The company continues to focus on innovation, operational excellence, and strong ESG practices.