Balbir Singh Dhillon To Head Audi India
Audi has announced top-level management changes in India. Mr. Rahil Ansari has been selected by AUDI AG for an important position at the company headquarter (Ingolstadt) in the Finance division. In his new assignment, Mr. Ansari will take the role of Senior Director, Central Sales Controlling (Global).
Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon who is currently heading Dealer Development has been elevated as Head, Audi India to be effective from 1st September 2019. An experienced automotive professional, Mr. Dhillon joined Audi India for his second stint in July 2018 and brings with him 23 years of automotive experience.
According to Mr. Michael Frisch, Vice President Region Overseas AUDI AG, “Rahil’s contribution has been immense for Audi India. He was a true representative of Brand India at AUDI AG and has created the foundation for future success. The work he has done will provide the basis for a sustainable business and profitable network in India with new digital customer-centric activities. Rahil’s strong business acumen has been highly acknowledged in the HQ, which is why he has been offered such a senior position.”
Mr. Ansari had joined Audi India for his 3rd stint on 1st February 2017. He has navigated Audi India through the troubled environment during this period. He has successfully managed the product launch void due to the WLTP cycle and also the challenging luxury market environment in India. He has set in motion a string of initiatives to bring the focus on customer centricity and dealer profitability and also implemented new digital initiatives, which are unique novelties in the Indian automotive industry.
“I firmly believe that the experience I have gained in India in my various stints has gone on to help me in my global assignments. If you are able to delight the Indian customer and navigate the Indian market complexities, you gain insights which are invaluable. While I am looking forward to my new stint, I will truly miss the great team and Audi India family with who I had some fantastic times. I have known Balbir closely over the years and am confident he will play a pivotal role in realizing Audi’s objectives in the country,” opined Mr. Ansari.
Commenting on Mr. Dhillon’s appointment Mr. Frisch said, “Balbir has been a part of the Audi team in India and Middle-East and we are confident that he will take the brand forward in India even as the market tries to buck external factors and grow. He brings with him a sound knowledge of the brand, the luxury segment and automotive sector spanning his 23 years of local and global experience, which bodes well for us.”
Mr. Dhillon re-joined Audi India in July 2018 after his previous stint between 2007 and 2012 as Head of Sales Field Force. He has a well-rounded experience of Sales, Network Profitability, Business Strategy, and Field Sales. He is currently responsible for Network Profitability and Business Planning in his role as Head of Dealer Development. Balbir has had stints at Audi Middle East, Porsche India, and Honda India in his previous roles.
“My singular focus will be on taking Audi ahead in a sustainable and profitable manner with delight for all our stakeholders in addition to customers. Rahil has already set in motion a new momentum for us and I look forward to building on that foundation as we move towards the era of electrification and digitalization in India,” said Mr. Dhillon.
