Gurpratap Boparai, the MD of the Indian subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group – Skoda Auto Volkswagen has resigned from his position as the head of the company.
In an email response, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India confirmed the development and said Christian Cahn von Seelen will take interim charge of the VW Group’s Indian operations from January 1, 2022, in his capacity as Chairman of SAVWIPL. The successor to Gurpratap Boparai will be announced shortly.
Having spent close to 45 months at the group, 31st December 2021 will be his last day with the group. Boparai used to directly report to the global CEO Thomas Schaeffer.
Boparai who was appointed as the MD of Skoda Auto India Private Limited first in 2018 led the restructuring of all the group brands under a new entity – Skoda Auto Volkswagen India which offered the Czech brand the lead responsibility in the country.
He spearheaded the Euro 1 billion investment plan of the VW Group’s India 2.0 strategy, which enabled the group to industrialise and develop a range of highly localised models and compete in the mainstream market.
The Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun comes with a localisation of over 95% and even the upcoming sedans from both Skoda (Slavia) and Volkswagen will come with highly localised content.
It is with deep regret that we accept the resignation of Gurpratap. I would like to thank him for leading the Group’s India operations through a complex merger, and for his outstanding role in ensuring that the Group’s important INDIA 2.0 project was on schedule with only minimal disruptions, despite the challenges that arose from the pandemic..Thomas Schaefer, Global Chairman, ŠKODA AUTO
In a statement released by the company, Thomas Schaefer, global Chairman, ŠKODA AUTO a.s. said, “It is with deep regret that we accept the resignation of Gurpratap. I would like to thank him for leading the Group’s India operations through a complex merger, and for his outstanding role in ensuring that the Group’s important INDIA 2.0 project was on schedule with only minimal disruptions, despite the challenges that arose from the pandemic. The seamless execution of the merger and the success of the products launched under the project are a testimony to his leadership and deep understanding of all aspects of the automotive business and of the evolving trends in the auto industry. We thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. I am confident that the leadership team that successfully executed the INDIA 2.0 project under him, is well-equipped to take the company to the next level, in line with our India strategy.”
This was a very difficult decision. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that the team will continue to innovate, excel and deliver beyond its commitments. The INDIA 2.0 project was executed on time thanks to their endeavours, at prioritizing the Indian operations especially in the face of the recent supply chain disruptionsGurpratap Boparai, MD, ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd
“This was a very difficult decision. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that the team will continue to innovate, excel and deliver beyond its commitments. The INDIA 2.0 project was executed on time thanks to their endeavours, at prioritizing the Indian operations especially in the face of the recent supply chain disruptions.” said Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director, ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd on his departure.
The Group is set to close to grow its 2021 volumes by over 80% and it is well on course to double its volumes in 2022, with full year volumes of the new SUVs Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun and incremental volumes coming from the Skoda Slavia and a Volkswagen brands new sedan.
Prior to Skoda Auto Volkswagen – Boparai was responsible for the industralisation of the first Jeep model in India – the Compass SUV. He was the CEO of Fiat India Private Limited – the 50:50 JV with Tata Motors for almost five years. He has over 3 decades in the automotive industry with a deep understanding of manufacturing cars and powertrains.
Also Read:
His last working day with the company will be December 25, 2021, a source close to the development informed ETAuto. Navid is likely to join as president and COO of the electric business unit of Hero Motor Company.
In order to assist in business continuity and a seamless transition, the Board has requested Dheeraj Hinduja to step in as Executive Chairman with immediate effect. The Board will meet shortly to decide on the further course of action for identifying the next CEO and MD, the company said.
