Shailesh Hazela Appointed as CEO & MD of Stellantis India
Stellantis India has appointed Shailesh Hazela as the new CEO and Managing Director, succeeding Aditya Jairaj. With extensive experience in the automotive sector, Shailesh is expected to drive growth and innovation in the Indian market, reinforcing Stellantis’s commitment to sustainable business practices.
New Delhi: Stellantis, a global automotive giant, has announced a significant change in its leadership in India. Shailesh Hazela has been appointed as the new CEO and Managing Director, succeeding Aditya Jairaj, who will be relocating to the United States. The transition will be completed by mid-July, marking a new chapter for Stellantis India.
Shailesh Hazela brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as Vice President – Global Purchasing and Supply Chain for India & Asia Pacific Region at Stellantis since September 2022. His career spans over 28 years across various sectors including automotive, telecommunications, and railways. With a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering, Shailesh is well-equipped to steer Stellantis India towards a prosperous future.
Ashwani Muppasani, COO – Stellantis India & Asia Pacific, expressed his confidence in Shailesh’s leadership, stating, “Shailesh’s strategic vision and extensive experience will be instrumental in driving growth and innovation in the Indian market. We are confident that Shailesh will lead the company fostering sustainable business growth.”
In his statement, Shailesh Hazela emphasized his commitment to sustaining and advancing Stellantis’s legacy in India. “It is an honour to lead Stellantis in India. Our iconic brands have led the global automobile industry, and I am committed to upholding and advancing this legacy,” he said. Shailesh also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Aditya Jairaj, and expressed his dedication to fostering sustainable progress with Stellantis’s exceptional teams and partners.
Stellantis has a robust presence in India, operating three manufacturing plants in Ranjangaon, Hosur, and Thiruvallur. Additionally, the company has an ICT Hub in Hyderabad, a Software Centre in Bengaluru, and two R&D centers in Chennai and Pune. This extensive footprint underscores Stellantis’s commitment to the Indian market, particularly through its “Make in India” initiative. India is notably the only country outside North America to locally produce four Jeep nameplates (Wrangler, Compass, Meridian, and Grand Cherokee) and the Citroën C5 Aircross outside France.
As Shailesh Hazela steps into his new role, all eyes will be on how he leverages his experience and strategic vision to navigate Stellantis through the dynamic landscape of the Indian automotive market. His leadership will be crucial in ensuring that Stellantis not only maintains its strong market presence but also adapts to the evolving demands of the industry. With a focus on technological innovation and sustainable growth, Shailesh’s tenure promises to be an exciting period for Stellantis India.