Tuesday | Jun 17 2025 | 11:04:20 AM
German automotive manufacturing company, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) has made key leadership transition with the appointment of Ashish Gupta as Brand Director of Skoda India, effective 1st May 2025. Gupta, currently Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, takes over from Petr Janeba, who concludes his successful tenure in India and returns to Skoda Auto, Czech Republic. Janeba, who has been a part of the Skoda family since 1999, played a crucial role in strengthening the brand's positioning and driving customer-focused growth strategies during his time in India.
Ashish Gupta brings with him over two decades of automotive industry experience, including more than 12 years with the Volkswagen Group in various roles across functions, including 5 years at the helm of the Volkswagen brand in India. In his new capacity, Ashish will focus on accelerating Skoda’s growth strategy, deepening customer trust, expanding network strength, and building a sharper, more resonant brand presence in India.
Nitin Kohli, currently responsible for Sales and Operations at Audi India, has assumed the role of Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger cars as of 1st May 2025. He has over 25 years of experience in automotive sales, including over 12 years with Skoda Auto Volkswagen India. With expertise in business development, strategic planning and cross-functional collaborations, Nitin is poised to take the Volkswagen brand to new heights in India.
Piyush Arora, CEO & Managing Director, SAVWIPL, said, “The changes in leadership reflects our continued commitment to localisation and development of capabilities within our Indian organisation. Empowering strong Indian leaders remains a core element of our growth strategy, ensuring we stay agile, relevant, and better aligned with the evolving needs of our customers and the business environment.”
This leadership change aligns with Skoda Auto Volkswagen India’s ongoing transformation efforts and underscores its commitment to nurturing local talent, fostering cross-brand synergies, and building a strong foundation for the Group’s continued success in India.
Jan Bures, Board Member and Executive Director, Sales, Marketing & Digital, SAVWIPL, said, “Ashish and Nitin have consistently delivered impact with agility and customer-centric thinking. Their appointment is not just a leadership change—it signals a broader shift in how we are building resilient, future-ready teams from within India. We are confident that both Ashish and Nitin will bring renewed energy and direction to the India journey of brands Skoda and Volkswagen.”
