Rajeev Bajaj Set To Take Charge Of New Launches

Rajeev Bajaj, the 30-year old son of Bajaj Auto chairman Rahul Bajaj, is being groomed to play a greater role in steering the two- and three-wheeler manufacturers fortunes in the coming years.

Already a vice-president in charge of production and marketing, Rajeev Bajaj is also being put in charge of the companys new marketing strategy for two-wheelers. Young Rajeev will handle the launch of new products in 1997-98.

Top company sources said the grooming of Rajeev Bajaj (the eldest son of Rahul Bajaj) had been going on for some time and he is likely to take over the reins from his father.

Rahul Bajaj, who will turn 59 this year, has confided to his colleagues that he would like to give his son three more years, enough time to fully grasp all aspects of the companys functioning.

Rahul Bajaj is likely to continue as chairman and all operational details will be handled by his son.

Rahul Bajaj had dropped several hints of the change of guard. At a meeting of analysts in Mumbai last month to announce the results, Bajaj said all the companys affairs are now being handled by his son Rajeev and brother Madhur Bajaj.

Rajeev Bajaj will, thus, move into the long list of new generation corporate leaders who have taken over from the older generation represented by their fathers, uncles and grand fathers.