BS People: Manish Sahi

Sahi in the driver's seat at Volvo

With India set to emerge as the second largest market for Swedish bus maker Volvo Buses Corporation over the next four years, the company is rejigging its investment plans, product portfolio and leadership to expand its footprint in the country. While former managing director and chief executive officer Akash Passey has been elevated as the senior vice-president, region international, the company recently appointed Manish Sahi as managing director (India).

In his new role, Sahi will not only spearhead operations in the domestic market, but also oversee Volvo’s expansion in South Asia. The assignment is significant as the country is set to emerge as the manufacturing hub for selected models for Volvo and have a research and product team focussed on developing specific products for Asian markets, which would then find their way to the rest of the world.

 

The Indian unit is projected to increase sales five-fold to 5,000 units per annum, to become the second largest market for Volvo Buses worldwide over the next four years. Of this, a quarter of the overall volumes would be registered for exports from India to countries in Asia-Pacific, West Asia and South America.

Sahi has over 18 years of experience in business development, channel development, human resources and global sales. He has previously worked as the national sales head in Volvo Buses India between 2003 and 2006. He rejoined the company in 2010.