Ashish Saraf to lead Airbus India's helicopter division

Airbus on Tuesday announced the appointment of Ashish Saraf as the Head of its India faction's helicopter division.

In his new role, he will lead Airbus' initiatives across the civil, defence and parapublic rotorcraft markets.

Saraf will take over from Xavier Hay, who is leaving India after six years to take over new responsibilities.

Ashish's appointment comes at a time when the company is competing on several military helicopter projects that would reinforce and enhance the local aerospace and defence industrial ecosystem.

Airbus Helicopters is helping to develop new market segments such as Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) and heli-tourism in the country.

Since 2015, Saraf had been serving as Vice President - Industry Development, Strategic Partnerships and Offsets at Airbus India, focusing on 'Make in India' initiatives aimed at enhancing the company's industrial footprint.

Before joining Airbus, Saraf was the India Head of the Tata Sikorsky joint venture and led Sikorsky's industrialisation and strategic partnerships.

An alumnus of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune and the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Nagpur, Saraf has served in crucial positions at Dassault Systems and Deloitte Consulting as well.