Former GM sales head joins Renault

Sumit Sawhney who spent 12 years with GM India will replace Frenchman Len Curran who will relocate within the Renault Group

Renault India today announced the appointment of former General Motors India vice-president Sumit Sawhney, to spearhead the French company's marketing and sales activities in the Indian market.

Sawhney who spent 12 years with GM India will replace Frenchman Len Curran who will relocate within the Renault Group after having achieved his set target of market expansion and launch of nearly half dozen models in India.

Sawhney joins Renault India as Executive Director, Marketing & Sales from today. He quit GM India in August this year. In Renault India, he will be based in Chennai and assume charge of sales and marketing on November 1, 2012 and will report to Marc Nassif, MD Renault India.

Marc Nassif, MD, Renault India said: “Curran has been instrumental in setting Renault India on a growth trajectory and we fully appreciate his contribution to the company and we wish him the very best for his next assignment. At the same time we welcome Mr. Sawhney in to the Renault family and we are confident that with his vast experience and understanding of the dynamics of the Indian automobile industry he will ensure that Renault India is on the right path to grow rapidly. It is time for Renault to localise not only products (which it has rapidly done) but also the talent pool for human resources."

Sawhney's appointment comes close on the heels of launch of five products for the Indian market in 16 months by Renault. "With fast growing sales volume and rapidly increasing dealer network which will spawn over 100 outlets by the end of 2012, Renault top management opted for a local player as the professional who will lead Renault marketing & sales efforts in the Indian market", Renault said in a statement.

Curran will hand over charge to Sawhney on November 1, 2012 but will continue to be with Renault India till early 2013 before leaving to assume charge of his new role within the Renault group.

Currently, the company sells five models – Fluence, the premium sedan, Koleos premium SUV, Pulse, the premium compact car, Duster compact SUV and the recently launched mid size sedan, Scala.