Luxury car giant Mercedes-Benz India strengthens its leadership with a key appointment in external affairs and social impact initiatives.
Pune, August 2024: Mercedes-Benz India, known for its innovative luxury vehicles, has appointed Dr. Shyam Sunder as the new Head of External Affairs and Corporate Citizenship. Dr. Sunder, an industry veteran with 24 years of experience in public policy and stakeholder engagement, will take charge of the company’s government relations, policy advocacy, and corporate social responsibility initiatives starting August 26, 2024.
Dr. Sunder’s role will involve strategic collaborations with policymakers, industry leaders, and various associations, reinforcing Mercedes-Benz India’s position as a forward-thinking brand with strong community ties. He will report directly to Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Shyam Sunder onboard,” said Iyer. “His deep expertise in external affairs and public policy aligns perfectly with our vision of engaging meaningfully with stakeholders and driving impactful corporate social initiatives.”
Dr. Sunder’s career spans influential roles with major automotive companies and industry bodies like FICCI, where he played a crucial part in shaping public policy and fostering collaboration between government and industry. His academic background, which includes a Ph.D. in Economics and a Master’s in Econometrics, further equips him to navigate the complex regulatory landscape facing the automotive sector.
With this appointment, Mercedes-Benz India reaffirms its commitment to community development, sustainability, and proactive policy engagement, further solidifying its leadership in the Indian luxury car market.
