Tata Motors executive Shailesh Chandra becomes the first Indian to lead the global automotive industry body, succeeding American John Bozzella, as the sector navigates transition to sustainable mobility and net-zero targets.
10 Nov 2025 | 9068 Views | By Sarthak Mahajan
The Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA) has announced the election of Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited and President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), as its new President, effective November 1, 2025. He succeeds John Bozzella, President and CEO of ...
This is an Autocar Pro Plus article. Subscribe to continue reading.
The Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA) has announced the election of Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited and President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), as its new President, effective November 1, 2025. He succeeds John Bozzella, President and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (USA).
Chandra's appointment marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first OICA President from India, reflecting the organization's expanding global representation. The election comes at a critical juncture as the automotive industry undergoes a significant transformation towards sustainable mobility and net-zero emissions.
"It is an honour to become the first OICA President from India, which is highlighting the organization's global representation," Chandra said in a statement. "As the global automotive industry transitions towards sustainable mobility and pursuits 'Net Zero', in alignment with the visions of Governments worldwide, the role of OICA becomes increasingly critical — to acknowledge the diversity of every region, as we collectively strive to make our vehicles more aspirational, safer, and environmentally friendly."
Chandra serves as Managing Director and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited and Managing Director of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. A graduate in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Varanasi, he holds an Executive MBA from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research and completed a Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University.
With over two decades of automotive experience at Tata Motors, Chandra has held key leadership positions in corporate strategy and electric mobility. His tenure has been characterized by the turnaround and transformation of Tata Motors' passenger vehicle business and his pioneering efforts in advancing India's electric mobility sector. His achievements have earned him recognition as Man of the Year 2020 by Autocar Professional and Automobile CEO of the Year by TopGear.
OICA has also elected Hildegard Müller, President of the Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA), as Vice President. Müller brings extensive experience across industry, government, and energy sectors to the role. A graduate from Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf's Department of Business, she previously served as Minister of State to the German Chancellor and chairwoman of the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW).
Since assuming leadership of the VDA in 2020, Müller has guided the German automotive industry through challenges including electrification, global competition, and trade transitions.
Founded in 1919, OICA represents national associations of motor vehicle manufacturers worldwide. The organization's 36 member associations span all continents and advocate for the global automotive industry on issues related to mobility, environment, safety, and economy.
OICA plays a significant role in promoting harmonized technical regulations through its participation in the United Nations World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (UNECE WP.29). The organization also coordinates global automotive production and sales statistics and supports international motor shows.
Through its initiatives, OICA facilitates global cooperation among manufacturers and governments to advance safe, sustainable, and efficient mobility while representing the automotive industry's interests worldwide.