Sudhir Rao has been appointed as the Managing Director of Skoda Auto India, the Indian subsidiary of the Czech Manufacturer. He will take charge from the beginning of the next month, that is, 1st March, 2012.
Rao has an impressive resume, boasting around two decades with the globally renowned General Motors (GM). Along with the international background, which includes work experience in U.S. as well as Europe, Sudhir Rao also has fair understanding of the automobile market in India.
His academic credentials boast of degree in Business Administration and Engineering. Rao has worked with several renowned organisations in his career, besides spending around two decades with GM. He spent a short period of time with Avtec Engines, a part of Hindustan Motors. Rao assumed charge in 2008 as the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Indian subsidiary of Renault, the French auto maker. He played a prime role in establishing the brand in the Indian auto market. Sudhir Rao also helped in the establishment of the Rs. 4,500 crores plant of Renault-Nissan in Chennai, India. Recently, in January 2012, Rao resigned from his position.
Positive about the latest decision of hiring Sudhir Rao as the Managing Director for the Indian unit, Skoda Auto CEO Winfried Vahland said that "We are pleased to hire Rao as the managing director for Skoda Auto India.” He further added that "He is a top automobile manager with many years of experience, and with an international background. He also knows the Indian market perfectly. I expect, under his responsibility, Skoda Auto India will vigorously continue its successful evolution of the past 10 years and further consolidate its good position."
