Mahindra Susten, the renewable energy arm of the Mahindra Group, has appointed Avinash Rao as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 24, 2025. In this role, Mr Rao will oversee the company’s strategic direction and operations, with a focus on expanding Mahindra Susten’s presence across the renewable energy sector, including solar, wind, hybrid, and commercial and industrial (C&I) solutions. The company currently has over 1.6 GW of commissioned capacity and a pipeline of nearly 3.6 GW under development. It is also investing in areas such as energy storage and integrated clean energy systems.
Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO and MD of the Mahindra Group, said “Sustainability and climate action are central to our purpose. With a 15-year track record in renewable energy, Mahindra Susten is positioned to contribute meaningfully to India’s energy transition. Avinash Rao brings strong experience across the energy sector, which will help us advance our goals.”
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, a long-term investor in Mahindra Susten, also welcomed the announcement. Bruce Crane, Executive Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific at Ontario Teachers’, commented “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Mahindra Susten under Avinash’s leadership. The company plays an important role in supporting India’s renewable energy goals.”
Avinash Rao has close to 30 years of experience across the conventional power, transmission, and renewable energy sectors. He has led the development of energy platforms for utilities, infrastructure funds, and listed entities. Prior to this role, he served as CEO of Sustainable Energy Infra Investment Managers, the investment manager for SEIT, India’s largest listed renewable energy InvIT. He has also held senior positions at Sekura India Management (part of Edelweiss Alternatives) and CLP India.
Mahindra Susten is the Mahindra Group’s renewable energy platform, operating both as an independent power producer and an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) provider. The company has constructed over 4 GWp of solar capacity and developed more than 1.5 GWp of solar assets. It currently has over 3.3 GWp of projects under development across India.
Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group operates in over 100 countries with more than 260,000 employees. The group holds strong positions in sectors including agriculture, mobility, IT services, financial services, and renewable energy. It is recognized as the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume and has a growing presence in ESG-led businesses focused on rural and urban development.
