Nissan Motor India Private Limited (NMIPL) has recently revealed the appointment of Saurabh Vatsa as the Deputy Managing Director, effective January 15. Saurabh Vatsa will play a crucial role in this crucial position, reporting directly to Managing Director Rakesh Srivastava. His responsibilities will encompass implementing the ongoing transformation roadmap and steering the company towards achieving its Mid Term Plan (MTP) and Ambition 2030 goals.
Nissan Motors India Private Limited (NMIPL) functions as a subsidiary of the Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer, Nissan Motor Company Ltd, with its headquarters situated in Nishi-ku, Yokohama. The company has gained prominence for its car offerings marketed under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. Established on December 26, 1933, by founders Masujiro Hashimoto, Kenjiro Den, Rokuro Aoyama, Meitaro Takeuchi, Yoshisuke Aikawa, and William R. Gorham, Nissan has emerged as one of the key players in the automotive industry. With its global headquarters based in Yokohama, Japan, Nissan continues to contribute significantly to the automotive landscape.
Saurabh Vatsa has joined Nissan from Stellantis, where he served as a key member of the leadership team and played a pivotal role in establishing and leading the Citroen brand in India since its inception. As the Brand Head, he oversaw all aspects of the business. Before his tenure at Stellantis, Mr Vatsa accumulated over two decades of experience at General Motors (GM), where he held various significant leadership roles, including extensive assignments in South Korea.
With an extensive background across Asian markets and in-depth knowledge of the automotive industry, Saurabh Vatsa brings a wealth of experience. His previous roles have involved working in various strategic business functions, including Product Planning, Program Management, Sales Planning, Marketing, Communications, and Retail/Commercial Sales. Saurabh Vatsa is an alumnus of Delhi University, holds an MBA from the International Management Institute, and has completed an executive management program at the London Business School.
Frank Torres, President of Nissan India Operations, expressed enthusiasm about Saurabh Vatsa’s appointment, emphasizing its timing as Nissan Motor India approaches 2024. Mr Torres highlighted the importance of this strategic addition to the team, underlining Nissan’s vision to investing USD 600 million (INR 5300 crore) in India as part of the Alliance. The investment aims to introduce more products tailored for the Indian consumer as part of the transformation plan. Mr Torres is optimistic about the exciting phase of growth for Nissan, building on the success of the Nissan Magnite.
In his new role as Deputy Managing Director, Saurabh Vatsa will actively support the leadership in executing Nissan’s transformation plan and preparing the company for its next phase, as outlined in 2023. The move aligns with Nissan’s forward-looking strategy, positioning the company strategically for the dynamic shifts in the automotive industry and leveraging Saurabh Vatsa’s diverse expertise.
The automotive landscape in India is witnessing rapid changes, influenced by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainability concerns. Nissan’s decision to appoint a Deputy Managing Director reflects the company’s vision to staying at the forefront of these transformations. Saurabh Vatsa’s multi-faceted experience and comprehensive understanding of the Asian markets uniquely position him to contribute significantly to Nissan’s endeavors in the Indian automotive sector.
The role of Deputy Managing Director is integral to Nissan’s goals and visions, including the successful implementation of the ongoing transformation roadmap. The emphasis on the Mid Term Plan (MTP) and Ambition 2030 goals suggests a forward-looking approach that goes beyond immediate objectives, focusing on long-term sustainability and growth.
