Leadership transition: Sudarshan Venu takes charge of TVS Motor from Aug 25

Ralf Speth steps down as chairman; firm plans supply-chain diversification for key components

TVS Motor, which has transitioned into a mega electric vehicle (EV) maker — becoming the largest-selling EV player in April this year — is now seeing a leadership transition.

 

On Friday, the current chairman Ralf Speth stepped down during the 33rd annual general meeting (AGM), paving the way for the TVS family’s new-generation leader Sudarshan Venu to take charge as new chairman and managing director from Monday (August 25).

 

Venu was instrumental in transforming the company into the largest two-wheeler EV player within five years since the launch of TVS iQube in January 2020, taking the total sales to 600,000 units.

 

Not just that, he is also credited for creating a new-look global brand identity through the acquisition of iconic British brand Norton Motorcycles in 2020.

 

He made his Norton-driven global ambitions clear at the virtual AGM, and also hinted at further diversification of the supply chain.

 

Venu was responding to a question on new ABS (braking systems) norms, starting January 2026.

 

Venu told shareholders that Norton will be unveiling some of its planned six new vehicles at the Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori (EICMA 2025), an international motorcycle and accessories exhibition in Milan, on November 4.

 

“Norton is coming up with six launches by the end of this year and early next year. This will lead to the resurgence of Norton. With this, the revenues and financial performance will definitely improve,” he added.

 

Eyeing Norton’s India debut, the company on Friday incorporated Norton’s India arm.

 

“TVS has come a long way. Less than a decade ago, we were a formidable domestic manufacturer. Today, we are a bonafide global mobility powerhouse, positioned at the forefront of innovation,” Speth said.

 

The company’s two-wheeler exports grew significantly by 22.8 per cent in FY25, reaching 1.09 million units, led by Africa and Latin America’s strong performance.

 

The Indian scooter industry witnessed a record 6.9 million sales in FY25, up 17 per cent compared to the previous year.

 

Venu told shareholders that his company is moving in line with market trends through products like Ntorq and Jupiter.

 

“The scooter category has grown faster than others in the last two years. We do think that the share of scooters, both in internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric, will continue to grow. We are continuously launching products in this regard and keeping them fresh,” he added.

 

The TVS family scion will be one of the youngest to take charge as the top executive of an Indian automobile major at the age of 36.

 

He will be joining the elite league of industry chiefs like Rahul Bajaj, who took charge as managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Bajaj Auto in April 2005 after the success of Pulsar.

 

The list also includes Dheeraj Hinduja, who became chairman of Ashok Leyland in October 2010 and Siddhartha Vikram Lal, who took over as Eicher Motors chief in May 2006.

 

All of them were in their mid-30s when they took charge.

 

“In ABS (braking systems) too, there are new players and more firms are investing in this business. We will plan the supply chain keeping resilience in mind,” he said.

 

Speth, who will continue as chief mentor, welcomed Venu. Many see the transition a right move for the future growth of the Chennai-based company as its AGM tagline says, “Shaping tomorrow’s mobility, today.”