The Indian arm of Italian auto maker Fiat announced the retirement of its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rajeev Kapoor and has promoted Gurpratap Boparai to fill in the shoes of Kapoor. Prior to the post of CEO, Boparai was serving as a leader in the Fiat's Power Train department. The senior officials of company believe that the leadership qualities of Boparai will help the auto maker to boost up the potential at its Ranjangaon manufacturing facility, based in Maharashtra.
At present, the Ranjangaon plant of Fiat rolls out around 2 lac models and and 3.50 lac engines, in addition to 3 lac spare parts and accessories. Since Fiat India Automobiles is a 50-50 Joint Venture of Fiat Group Automobiles, Italian-based and Indian-based Tata Motors, the models of both the auto makers are manufactured at this plant.
Kapoor became a part of Fiat family in 2007 and got many opportunities while working with one of the leading auto makers of the world. On the other hand, in 2007, Boparai joined Fiat India as an Assistant Vice President in the manufacturing and Powertrain Division, and then in 2009, he was promoted as the Head of Powertrain Division. At that time, he was taking control over the entire process of company's engine plant, including manufacturing, HR, Finance, PE, among others. He was also held responsible for the business development of Fiat in India.
Boparai holds a vast experience of more than 20 years in auto sector and has served several reputed organisations in his tenure. Some of the big players served by Boparai includes Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company Limited, Iveco, Ocap Chassis Parts Private Limited and Tata Cummins Limited.
Boparai, promoted as the new CEO of Fiat India, might change the tides for the company in India as till now, the Italian auto maker was unable to wand a magic on the hearts of buyers.
