Renault Group India has announced two significant leadership appointments, underscoring India’s growing role as a global centre for automotive design and engineering. These appointments reflect the Group’s ambition to strengthen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets and position India as a global benchmark hub. The move is expected to enhance collaboration with local teams and deepen its understanding of customer needs and market challenges.
Dr Vikraman V has been named Chief of Renault Engineering at the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI) in Chennai. He will lead efforts in engineering excellence and innovation, supporting Renault Group’s global transformation while expanding India’s footprint in advanced research and development.
Dr Vikraman joins Renault from Mahindra & Mahindra, where he spent nearly 20 years in senior roles, including heading the Vehicle Mechanical Division. His expertise spans both electric vehicle (EV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) platforms. He holds a master’s and a doctorate in automotive engineering from IIT Madras.
In addition, Sandeep Bhambra has been appointed as Head of Renault Design Centre India (RDCI), while continuing in his role as Chief Designer Advanced Renault. He will play a pivotal role in steering Renault’s future product portfolio by blending the brand’s design DNA with cutting-edge innovation. Sandeep will continue to report to Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer at Renault Group.
Commenting on the appointments, Stéphane Deblaise, CEO of Renault Group India, said, “These appointments represent a major milestone in Renault Group’s journey in India. As India rapidly emerges as a global hub for automotive innovation, these leaders bring the expertise and vision required to harness this momentum. Sandeep’s creative leadership will strengthen our design language, while Vikraman’s engineering acumen will power advanced mobility solutions. Together, they will shape India’s contribution to Renault’s future—where global design excellence meets Indian ingenuity to deliver vehicles that inspire and perform.”
Since 2021, Sandeep Bhambra has led Advanced Design and Concept Cars at Renault in France, contributing to iconic projects including the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, 4EVER Trophy, Scenic Vision, Estafette Concept, Renault Emblème, and Filante Record 2025. His experience also includes influential roles at Peugeot and Tata Motors, where he worked on both concept and production models. With a career spanning India, the UK, and France, Sandeep brings a blend of engineering expertise, creative storytelling, and brand development.
Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer at Renault Group, added, “In an industry undergoing rapid transformation, Sandeep’s international experience, creative vision, and determination will be vital in guiding our India team. Continuing his role as Chief Designer Advanced Renault, he will ensure that Renault Design Centre India plays a key part in the Group’s global design strategy, creating vehicles that resonate with Indian customers while supporting Renault’s broader ambitions.”
Reflecting India’s growing strategic importance, the Renault Design Centre in Chennai has been renamed Renault Design Centre India. Renault Group is at the forefront of transforming mobility for the future. Leveraging the strengths of its four brands—Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and Mobilize—the Group delivers sustainable and innovative mobility solutions to customers worldwide. With operations in 114 countries, Renault Group sold 2.265 million vehicles in 2024 and employs over 98,000 people dedicated to bringing its purpose to life: making mobility more accessible and connected.
Committed to both everyday challenges and competitive pursuits, Renault Group is driving transformation through new technologies, services, and a broader portfolio of competitive, balanced, and electrified vehicles. In line with environmental goals, the Group aims to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040.
