De Neers Appoints Sudhir Malhotra as Automotive Advisor

De Neers has appointed automotive industry veteran Sudhir Malhotra as its Strategic Advisor – Automotive & Future Mobility, as the professional tools manufacturer looks to expand its engagement with vehicle manufacturers, dealer networks and the evolving mobility ecosystem.

The company said automotive is among its faster-growing verticals and that it is targeting strong double-digit growth in the segment over the next two to three years. Its strategy includes deeper engagement with OEMs and dealer networks alongside its existing industrial and professional tools businesses.

Malhotra brings more than three decades of experience across workshop operations, aftersales, dealer network development, sales, marketing and business leadership. In his new advisory role, he will work with De Neers’ leadership on OEM and dealer engagement, product and category strategy, and its EV-specific tooling roadmap.

Sudhir Malhotra to support De Neers' automotive strategy

According to the company, Malhotra's role will include advising on product and category requirements linked to changing vehicle technologies, while also helping De Neers assess evolving workshop and aftersales requirements.

The company is seeking to integrate future-mobility capabilities into its wider automotive strategy rather than operate them as a separate business line.

De Neers focuses on EV and high-voltage tooling requirements

De Neers said the transition towards electric and hybrid vehicles is creating new requirements across manufacturing, workshops and aftersales, particularly in areas involving high-voltage systems and electrical safety.

The company already manufactures insulated, non-sparking and anti-magnetic tools and plans to further develop its portfolio as EV penetration and workshop requirements evolve.