Mumbai, 30 October 2024 — Castrol India Limited, a prominent player in the lubricant manufacturing sector, has officially appointed Kedar Lele as its new Managing Director, effective 1 November 2024. This strategic leadership change follows the transition of Sandeep Sangwan, who has been promoted to the role of Global Chief Marketing Officer at Castrol’s headquarters in London.
Kedar Lele brings with him a wealth of experience from a distinguished 20-year career at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), where he most recently held the position of Executive Director overseeing Sales & Customer Development for South Asia. His extensive background in driving growth, nurturing high-performing teams, and spearheading innovation positions him as a key asset for Castrol India as it navigates the evolving automotive and lubricants landscape.
Rakesh Makhija, Chairman of Castrol India Limited, expressed enthusiasm for Kedar’s appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Kedar to Castrol India. His extensive experience in managing growth and leading large teams in dynamic markets makes him an exceptional choice for this role. I also want to extend my gratitude to Sandeep for his exemplary leadership during his tenure, which has significantly strengthened our market position. We wish him the best in his new global role.”
In his first statement as Managing Director, Kedar Lele emphasized his excitement for the challenge ahead, stating, “Castrol is a renowned brand in the lubricants industry, and I look forward to leading the company through its next phase of growth and transformation. A key focus will be on expanding our product portfolio and deploying effective business models to drive growth. We will leverage our trusted brand, innovative product offerings, and cutting-edge technology to maintain our leadership in India’s mobility sector. My diverse experience in various categories and markets equips me to build winning teams and foster a culture of innovation and operational excellence that aligns with Castrol’s ambitious goals.”
To ensure a smooth transition, Kedar has been collaborating with Sandeep Sangwan since 1 September 2024, allowing him to gain valuable insights into the company’s operations and establish rapport with key stakeholders.
As Kedar Lele takes the reins, Castrol India is poised to continue its trajectory of success in the Indian market, maintaining its commitment to innovation and creating value for its stakeholders.
