Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) announced the appointment of Ashish Gupta as the new Brand Director for Skoda India and Nitin Kohli as the new Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, effective May 1, 2025.
Leadership change in Skoda Auto Volkswagen India
Gupta steps into the role after successfully leading Volkswagen Passenger Cars in India, succeeding Petr Janeba, who returns to Skoda Auto’s headquarters in the Czech Republic. Janeba is credited with strengthening Skoda’s position in India through focused customer engagement and strategic brand initiatives.
Gupta, a seasoned automotive professional with over 20 years of experience, has spent more than a decade with the Volkswagen Group. His leadership at Volkswagen India over the last five years has been pivotal in reinforcing the brand’s market presence. As the new face of Skoda India, he is expected to drive growth, enhance customer trust, and expand the brand’s footprint through a sharper marketing and retail strategy.
Kohli, on the other hand, was previously handling Sales and Operations at Audi India. Kohli brings 25 years of experience in the auto sector, including more than 12 years within the Group. Known for his strategic insight and cross-functional expertise, he is well-positioned to steer Volkswagen’s next phase of growth in the competitive Indian market.
These leadership changes mark a significant milestone in SAVWIPL’s commitment to fostering homegrown talent. According to Piyush Arora, CEO & MD of SAVWIPL, the shift underscores the Group’s focus on localisation and empowering leaders who understand the intricacies of the Indian consumer landscape.
Jan Bures, Executive Director of Sales, Marketing & Digital, highlighted the agility and customer-centric mindset both leaders bring, noting this transition is part of a broader move to build resilient, future-ready teams from within India.
The appointments reflect SAVWIPL’s ongoing transformation journey, aiming to strengthen brand synergies and sustain long-term success in the dynamic Indian automotive market.
