Hemant hauls logistics, Veejay ploughs into farming, and Velu takes the wheel of all things SUV and LCV. Internal talent gets a well-oiled upgrade at Mahindra.
Mumbai:
In a classic case of “if you want the job done right, trust the folks already driving the tractor,” the Mahindra Group has pulled off a high-powered game of executive musical chairs—minus the chaos and with plenty of horsepower.
Announcing a series of senior leadership appointments, Mahindra confirmed that it’s tapping into its rich internal talent pool to steer some of its most critical business segments.
Hemant Sikka: From Tilling Fields to Turning Wheels
Hemant Sikka, previously the President of the Farm Equipment Sector (FES), has now been appointed as MD & CEO of Mahindra Logistics Ltd (MLL). It’s a move that signals Mahindra’s confidence in Hemant’s ability to transition from steering tractors to streamlining transportation.
A strategic thinker with operational grit, Hemant is expected to unlock new potential in the logistics arm. He succeeds Ram Swaminathan, who has decided to explore roads less travelled (professionally speaking).
“Hemant brings a perfect blend of field expertise and boardroom wisdom—just the sort of combination that can reroute an entire logistics map without a GPS,” said a Mahindra spokesperson.
Veejay Nakra: Shifting Gears from SUVs to Soil
Next up, Veejay Nakra swaps the driver’s seat of the Auto Division for a sturdy perch atop Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Business (FEB). With an ROCE of over 60%, this sector isn’t just fertile—it’s practically blooming.
Veejay’s 30-year journey at Mahindra is the stuff of corporate folklore. From revving up the automotive division with blockbuster launches to laying down the strategy for global growth, he now ploughs ahead with farm machinery and international tractor domination in his sights.
R Velusamy: The Torque Master Gets the Whole Garage
R Velusamy (or “Velu” if you’re in the know) moves from crafting Mahindra’s powertrains and EVs to commanding the entire Automotive Business. With SUV and LCV operations now united under one hood, the new integrated structure promises more horsepower, less hierarchy.
Velu’s been the silent force behind many of Mahindra’s engineering marvels—from ICE stalwarts to EV disruptors. His new role gives him the keys to everything under 3.5 tonnes—meaning he’s basically the king of every road trip below commercial truck status.
“Velu knows how to turn torque into poetry,” quipped an engineer who’s worked with him. “And now he gets to write the whole symphony.”
Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, M&M, summed it up with boardroom warmth and CEO candour:
“These leadership changes aren’t just promotions—they’re pit stops on a winning race. Hemant, Veejay, and Velu have proven themselves over years of dedication and impact. We’re placing our bets on homegrown horsepower, and I’m confident they’ll take Mahindra to new frontiers.”
In true Mahindra fashion—it’s all about Farm to Fleet, powered by leadership that knows how to build, ship, and drive the future.
