Škoda Auto Volkswagen India announces leadership change; Elevates homegrown talent

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has announced a major leadership transition, reinforcing its long-term commitment to nurturing local talent and enhancing brand presence in India. Effective 1st May 2025, Mr. Ashish Gupta will take over as Brand Director of Škoda India. Gupta, who currently serves as the Brand Director for Volkswagen Passenger Cars, succeeds Mr. Petr Janeba.

Mr. Janeba concludes his successful tenure in India and returns to Škoda Auto in the Czech Republic. Having been part of the Škoda family since 1999, he played a vital role in strengthening the brand’s positioning and implementing customer-centric growth strategies during his time in India.

Mr. Ashish Gupta brings more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, including over 12 years within the Volkswagen Group. His five-year leadership at the helm of Volkswagen in India is marked by strategic brand growth and customer engagement. In his new role, Gupta will drive Škoda’s growth strategy, expand network capabilities, and enhance the brand’s resonance with Indian consumers.

In a parallel move, Mr. Nitin Kohli, currently leading Sales and Operations at Audi India, will become Brand Director for Volkswagen Passenger Cars. Kohli has more than 25 years of experience in automotive sales and over a decade with Škoda Auto Volkswagen India. Known for his strengths in business development and strategic planning, he is expected to drive further success for the Volkswagen brand in India.

These appointments reflect the Group’s internal talent development strategy and deep understanding of the Indian market.

Piyush Arora, CEO & Managing Director, SAVWIPL, stated, “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. With their deep market insight and strategic acumen, Ashish and Nitin are ideally positioned to lead brands Škoda and Volkswagen into the next phase of growth in India. At the same time, I would like to thank Mr. Petr Janeba for his valuable contribution during his time with SAVWIPL and wish him all the best in his future role.”

Jan Bures, Board Member and Executive Director, Sales, Marketing & Digital, SAVWIPL, added, “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 Škoda and Volkswagen.”

This leadership reshuffle aligns with Škoda Auto Volkswagen India’s transformation roadmap, aimed at driving cross-brand synergy, bolstering local expertise, and setting the stage for sustained growth in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets.