Ashok Leyland announces key changes in top management

Ashok Leyland today announced the appointment of Mr. R. Seshasayee as Executive Vice Chairman effective 1st April 2011 to lead the new strategic direction of the Company. Mr Seshasayee, the present Managing Director of Ashok Leyland and Executive Vice Chairman of the holding Company, Hinduja Automotive Ltd., will continue to have overall responsibility for Ashok Leyland.

The Company also today announced that Mr. Vinod K. Dasari will be Managing Director (designate) of Ashok Leyland with immediate effect and will assume responsibility as Managing Director with effect from 1st April 2011. Mr Dasari is currently Chief Operating Officer and a Whole-time Director of the Company.

Speaking on the new role for Mr Seshasayee, Mr. Dheeraj G Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, “Under Mr Seshasayee’s leadership, Ashok Leyland has consistently grown from strength to strength to its present position. His contribution to the Company’s transformation has been immense and the Board is very keen that the organisation should continue to benefit from his insightful thinking, deep knowledge and wide experience. He will now focus on strategic initiatives towards globalisation of the Company’s operations as well as leadership development.”

Mr Seshasayee has been Managing Director from 1998 and his current term was due to expire on 31st March 2011.

“This is a planned transition,” said Dheeraj Hinduja, “Vinod was being groomed for this move over the last few years and he was progressively being entrusted with the responsibilities relating to Marketing, Manufacturing, Strategic Sourcing and Product Development.  I am confident that Vinod will be able to successfully lead from the front. The Company is on the threshold of significant growth and the blend of experience and youth in the top leadership team will be a great asset.” 

Mr Dasari joined Ashok Leyland in 2005, prior to which he was Joint Managing Director of Cummins India Limited. Having started his career with General Electric USA in 1986, Mr. Dasari worked at Timken for two years: the assignments being as President, Global Rail division and Managing Director, Timken, India.  He also serves on the Boards of Automotive Coaches & Components Limited (ACCL), Gulf Ashley Motor Limited, Gulf Oil Corporation Limited, Irizar-TVS Limited, Ashok Leyland UAE LLC, Lanka Ashok Leyland PLC and Water Partners International (a non-profit organisation).