VW India sees a change in top management

There is a change of guard at the helm of business affairs at the Volkswagen group in India. Mahesh Kodumudi, President and Managing Director, VW India Pvt Ltd, has beenappointed as Group Chief Representative with immediate effect. His appointment follows the exit of Arvind Saxena who led VW passenger cars division for 18 months.

Last year, Kodumudi had taken additional responsibility as the head of Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Limited succeeding Gerasimos Dorizas who returned to Europe citing personal reasons. He will have to continue with added responsibilities until May 1, 2014, when Thierry Lespiaucq (58), currently Volkswagen Brand Director, Volkswagen de Mexico, will succeed him as the Managing Director, Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Limited. 

Kodumudi (48) had a successful career in the automotive industry in the US, before joining the VW Group in 2008. He started as executive director - corporate purchasing for the German car maker in India before being appointed as president and MD in March 2013. 

Thierry Lespiaucq (58) joined the Volkswagen Group as Director, VW Passenger Cars for the Volkswagen Group France in May 2004. Before joining the company he was CEO of Renault-Nissan Suisse and Toyota France and spent 14 years at General Motors handling Sales, After Sales and Service.