In today’s fast-evolving auto industry, it’s the marketing leaders, not just the machines, driving change. These professionals blend creativity, strategy, and deep industry insight to shape how we see mobility and innovation. From reimagining legacy brands to championing electric vehicles, they craft stories that build trust, inspire loyalty, and connect with consumers. As the industry transforms, these leaders aren’t just adapting, they’re defining how cars are marketed in a digital, sustainable age, making them true pioneers of modern automotive branding.
Pooja Asar (Head of Marketing EV, Tata Motors Passenger EV): Pooja Asar is the Head of Marketing at Tata Motors with over 18 years of experience across Tata Motors, Paytm, and Unilever. She has managed iconic brands like Kissan, Knorr, Hellmann’s, Annapurna, and Glow & Lovely across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Known for driving innovation and scaling established brands, Pooja has consistently leveraged market trends to craft high-impact campaigns that enhance brand equity, power, and consumer engagement across diverse categories and geographies.
Virat Khullar (Group Head Marketing, Hyundai Motor India Ltd): Virat Khullar, Vertical Head – Marketing at Hyundai India, brings 20+ years of experience across Suzuki, Renault, and Tata Motors. From franchise management to national roles, he has led sales, marketing, and product strategy. Known for his go-getter attitude and team leadership, Virat drives impactful, result-oriented strategies rooted in a deep understanding of India’s regional market dynamics.
Ankush Awal (Head of Marketing, Tata Motors): Ankush Awal, Country Head for Nepal & Bhutan at Tata Motors International Business, brings 20+ years of automotive experience. He has led strategic growth, market expansion, and successful product launches. Known for his dynamic leadership and passion for innovation, Ankush focuses on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and driving long-term success across diverse regional markets.
Udit Malhotra (Head of Marketing (CMO), MG Motor India): Udit Malhotra is a seasoned Marketing and Communications leader with 20+ years of expertise in digital marketing, content strategy, and reputation management. He has led award-winning campaigns for top brands like MG Motor, Ford, and PepsiCo, driving digital transformation and engagement. His strategic vision consistently delivers brand growth across global and local markets.
Himanshu Dahiya (VP Marketing, Maruti Suzuki): Himanshu Dahiya is a seasoned marketing leader with over 20 years of experience across the automobile, telecom, and consumer durables sectors. His expertise includes brand management, digital marketing, media planning, and product launches. Known for strategic thinking and execution excellence, he consistently drives impactful campaigns that boost brand visibility and fuel business growth across diverse markets.
Jennifer Pandya (Head of Marketing, Skoda Auto India): Jennifer Pandya is a seasoned Demand Generation expert with over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing across consumer-focused brands. Her strengths lie in digital marketing, consumer insights, media planning, and new market development. Having worked with founders of Shaadi.com and CaratLane, she brings an entrepreneurial mindset and strategic leadership to drive impactful campaigns and key business outcomes.
Bishwajeet Samal (Head of Marketing, Volkswagen India): Bishwajeet Samal is a senior marketing leader with 21+ years of global and regional experience across automotive, media, and telecom sectors. Skilled in brand management, business expansion, and public relations, he blends strategic vision with commercial impact. Known for leveraging new-age marketing and empowering teams, he has consistently driven growth and contributed to industry thought leadership, including his time at Volkswagen.
Shakti Upadhyay (Head of Marketing, Kia India Pvt Ltd): Shakti Upadhyay, Head of Marketing & PR at Kia India, has been instrumental in building Kia’s strong brand presence through bold campaigns and digital storytelling. He led the launch of key models, including the Seltos, Sonet, and Carens Clavis EV. With prior roles at Samsung and Hyundai, he brings deep expertise in brand growth, innovation, and cultural insight.
Mohan Wilson (Director – Marketing (CMO), Nissan Motor Corporation): Mohan Wilson is a global marketing leader with 20+ years of experience in brand strategy, product management, and corporate transformation across the automotive sector. With roots in Germany and India, he has led award-winning campaigns and global product launches. Known for blending creativity with strategy, Mohan champions innovation, diversity, and impactful brand turnarounds across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Abhinav Sinha (Marketing Director, Renault India): Abhinav Sinha, Marketing Director at Renault India, is a dynamic business leader with deep expertise in sales, marketing, and strategy. Known for his commercial acumen and value-driven approach, he excels in leading cross-functional teams, fostering innovation, and delivering operational excellence. Abhinav is currently focused on strengthening Renault’s brand presence in India’s highly competitive automotive landscape.
Shivani Chaudhary (Head Branding & PR, BYD): Shivani Chaudhary is a seasoned Brand and PR expert with 20 years of experience in the automotive and tech sectors. Specializing in digital marketing, brand strategy, and consumer insights, she drives impactful, multi-channel campaigns. Known for innovation and strong leadership, Shivani has consistently led brand growth, customer acquisition, and market success in fast-paced, competitive business environments.
Tanuj Mandal (Head of Marketing, Lexus Motors Ltd.): Tanuj Mandal is a seasoned marketing and sales professional with 20+ years of experience and an MBA background. He excels in branding, product management, and strategic planning. Known for blending analytical insight with creative execution, Tanuj has led impactful initiatives across functions, driving growth and aligning marketing with business goals, making him a dynamic leader in competitive markets.
Gaurav Sinha (Head of Marketing, Audi India): Gaurav, Head of Marketing and PR at Audi India, brings over 22 years of expertise in brand strategy, communications, and public relations. A multi-award-winning leader, he has earned accolades like Business World’s Top 100 Marketers and Exchange4Media’s Top 100 Game Changers. Known for impactful storytelling and strategic innovation, Gaurav has been key to strengthening Audi’s premium brand presence in India.
Akshay Sharma (Head of Marketing, Aston Martin): Akshay Sharma, Head of Marketing at Aston Martin, brings 15 years of experience in channel and distributor management, key accounts, and brand activations across India and Nepal. With expertise in ATL/BTL marketing, he has led successful product launches and events. Formerly with Mahindra Holidays, Akshay is known for strategic insight, team mentoring, and driving strong customer relationships and market impact.
Amrit Baid (Head- Marketing and Customer Experience, Mercedes-Benz): Amrit Baid is a skilled marketing professional with deep expertise in the automotive industry. He believes impactful marketing blends strong content with smart distribution. Known for his market analysis and strategic thinking, Amrit crafts innovative, tailored solutions that drive brand growth. His adaptability and insight make him a key player in today’s fast-evolving auto landscape.
Vitesh Barar (Director Marketing, BMW Group India): Vitesh Barar, Director – Marketing at BMW Group India, is a results-driven leader with 20 years of automotive industry experience. Specializing in strategic planning, brand management, and digital transformation, he has consistently driven profitability and market share. Known for leading high-performing teams, Vitesh combines product strategy and marketing expertise to boost brand visibility and deliver sustained business growth.
Kenneth Hoelscher (Head of Marketing, Porsche India): Kenneth Hoelscher is a senior marketing and sales executive with over 29 years in the automotive industry. He has led roles in marketing, pricing, and product management at global, regional, and national levels. Known for innovative strategies and customer focus, Kenneth combines strategic insight, negotiation skills, and holistic expertise to drive profitability, brand growth, and lasting customer satisfaction.
Esha Chhabra (Head of Marketing, Ferrari): Esha Chhabra brings rich experience in the luxury automotive sector. A Sydenham graduate with marketing training from NMIMS, she excels in business planning, CRM, digital strategy, and integrated marketing. Recognized as a “Performance Superstar,” Esha combines strategic thinking, creativity, and a customer-first approach to enhance brand presence and drive impactful engagement.
Nikhil Premchandani (Head of Sales and Marketing, Jaguar Land Rover India): Nikhil Premchandani, a seasoned marketing leader, With over eight years at JLR and a decade at Auto Hangar – Mercedes-Benz, he brings rich expertise in luxury automotive sales. Based in Mumbai, Nikhil is known for his strategic vision and customer-centric approach.
Jyotsana Singh Kaushik (Director – Marketing & PR, Volvo Car India): Jyotsana Singh Kaushik is a seasoned marketing leader with over 20 years of cross-industry experience spanning consumer durables, automobiles, luxury, health, and finance. Known for driving brand growth, digital transformation, and go-to-market strategies, she blends creativity with data-led execution. An award-winning, consumer-first marketer, Jyotsana has led impactful work for brands like Tetra Pak, GE, Aviva, Volvo, and Horlicks.
Saurabh Sharma (Head of Marketing, Ather Energy): Saurabh Sharma is a results-driven marketing professional with expertise in product development, brand communication, and integrated campaigns. Skilled in trade marketing, consumer research, and digital media, he has managed brands across various lifecycle stages. Known for his analytical mindset and strategic thinking, Saurabh blends insight-led planning with creative execution to drive brand growth in today’s dynamic marketing environment.
Manav Sethi (Marketing Head, Hero Vida): Manav Sethi, Marketing Head at Hero Vida, has led groundbreaking ventures from launching Hero’s EVOOTER and VIDAWORLD to global successes like Octro Poker and ALTBalaji. He pioneered in blockchain with Xfinite.IO, scaled ASKME to $400M sales, and founded BIGMAPS. His dynamic leadership spans electric mobility, gaming, OTT, and digital marketplaces, redefining India’s tech and marketing landscape.
Ankit Taparia (Head of Marketing, Yulu): Ankit is a dynamic marketing professional with experience managing six plus brands across different life stages, from challengers to category leaders. Passionate about innovation and change, he excels in strategic thinking, team alignment, and navigating ambiguity. A self-starter with a customer-first mindset, Ankit delivers impactful solutions that simplify lives, foster growth, and drive meaningful business outcomes.
Aniruddha Haldar (Sr Vice President Marketing, TVS Motor Company (iQube)): Aniruddha Haldar is a seasoned business leader with deep expertise in strategy, marketing, and sales. Known for building high-performing teams and delivering customer-centric value, he thrives in high-pressure, ambiguous environments. Aniruddha blends strategic vision with hands-on execution, consistently driving innovation and unlocking growth opportunities, making him a versatile, impact-driven leader committed to holistic value creation across stakeholders.
Vinit Chauhan (Head of Marketing, Tork Motor): Vinit Chauhan is a dynamic marketing leader with 17+ years of experience in brand building, demand generation, and GTM strategy. As Head of Marketing at Tork Motors, he drove ₹60 crore in revenue and $82M in global orders. A startup veteran and Shark Tank India finalist, Vinit thrives on data-driven innovation, scaling brands, and tackling entrepreneurial challenges with impact.
Abhinav Sharma (Vice President – Marketing, Ultraviolette Automotive): Abhinav Sharma is a passionate marketing leader driving brand growth at Ultraviolette through innovation and sharp GTM strategies. Known for impactful campaigns like The Fastest Indian and a collaboration with Supercar Blondie, he blends creativity with execution. With experience leading top global brands, Abhinav champions a design- and performance-led identity rooted in India, thriving in high-impact, high-engagement categories.
Rajneesh Kushwaha Singh (CMO, Hop Electric): Rajneesh Kushwaha Singh is a seasoned strategist with 19 years of experience across infrastructure, real estate, solar, and automotive sectors. With strong techno-commercial acumen and global exposure, he drives strategic growth and operational clarity. As Head of Strategy, Rajneesh is a patient listener and forward-thinker, adept at tracking global trends to craft impactful, future-ready business roadmaps.
Chandan Gupta (Head Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Olectra Greentech Limited): Chandan Gupta is a seasoned marketing and strategy expert with over 20 years of experience across automotive, defense, and renewable energy sectors. Specializing in product planning, policy advocacy, and green mobility, he has led initiatives at Toyota, BYD, and Mahindra. His work spans fuel cells, EVs, solar, and bio-based innovations, advancing decarbonization and circular economy goals through sustainable, future-focused solutions.
Prashant Nair (Head- Marketing, Ashok Leyland): Prashant Nair, a Marketing Leader with over 18 years of experience, has led marketing across consumer durables, commercial vehicles, and construction equipment. Passionate about innovation and market alignment, he thrives on challenges and learning. His expertise spans brand building, consumer behavior analysis, STP, competition mapping, and product gap analysis, consistently adding value to both brand and business growth.
Shubhranshu Singh (CMO, Tata Motors CV): Shubhranshu Singh, CMO at Tata Motors’ CV business, is a seasoned marketing leader with rich experience across FMCG, automotive, and payments sectors. He has held leadership roles at Royal Enfield, Visa, and HUL, shaping iconic brands. Known for turning insights into impactful action, he excels in demand creation, brand building, and engagement. His passions include social work and heritage preservation.
Geetika Bisla (Head of Marketing, Hero MotoCorp): Geetika Bisla is a global marketing leader with 20+ years of experience across 25+ countries in Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East. She has led impactful campaigns and major product launches for iconic brands. With expertise in data-driven marketing, brand strategy, and digital transformation, Geetika builds tech-enabled, customer-centric experiences that drive growth in dynamic, multicultural environments.
Rohit Issac (Head of Marketing & Communications, Hero MotoSports): Rohit Issac brings over 20 years of experience across top automotive brands. Based in New Delhi, he has held key roles at Mahindra Group, Skoda Auto, and Goodyear. With a background in engineering from the National Institute of Engineering, Rohit specializes in brand experience, CRM, and strategic communication in the mobility space.
Samir Gokhale (Head of Marketing Operations, Jawa Motorcycles): Samir Gokhale is a seasoned brand and advertising strategist with extensive expertise in ATL, BTL, and digital marketing. He has led impactful campaigns for brands like Vodafone Idea, Ogilvy, and Discovery Channel. Known for sharp customer insight and strategic thinking, Samir excels at crafting compelling brand narratives and communication strategies, driven by a passion for brand building and collaborative leadership.
Sumeet Narang (President, Bajaj Auto): Sumeet Narang, President at Bajaj Auto, is a veteran marketing leader with over 32 years of experience. He played a key role in reviving the iconic Chetak brand in the EV space. Known for his strategic insight and brand expertise, Sumeet has driven consumer-focused growth and innovation across sectors, shaping India’s dynamic two-wheeler industry.
Gogee Kapur (VP-Head of Marketing, Piaggio Vehicles): Gogee Kapur is a seasoned business leader with 25 years of experience across automotive, EV startups, and consumer durables. As Head of Marketing and Business Development at Piaggio India, he leads brand strategy, GTM, PR, and training. Formerly CBO at Okaya EV and CMO at JK Tyre, his innovative leadership and marketing excellence were also shaped by a long tenure at LG Electronics.
Vijay Thomas (Head Marketing, Harley-Davidson): Vijay Thomas, Head of Marketing for the Harley-Davidson Business Unit at Hero MotoCorp, brings 21+ years of expertise in brand building and strategic marketing. With deep insight into the premium motorcycle segment, he has strengthened Harley-Davidson’s presence in India. His strengths lie in product marketing, consumer engagement, and impactful campaigns that drive brand growth and positioning.
Murari Mishra (Head Digital & Brand Marketing, BMW Motorrad India): Murari Mishra is a results-driven digital marketing leader with 10+ years of experience across top brands like BMW Motorrad, Mahindra, and GNC. At BMW Motorrad India, he built a digital ecosystem driving 25% of sales and 42% of leads. Skilled in SEO, social media, CRM, and content, Murari blends creativity with performance to deliver measurable brand impact.
Santosh Deshmukh (Sr VP & Head of Marketing, Matter Motor): Santosh Deshmukh is an innovative marketer with 25 years of experience in the automobile sector, spanning EVs, batteries, passenger cars, and premium two-wheelers. Known for strategic thinking and rapid execution, he has built both homegrown and global brands. Now at MATTER, a leading EV startup, Santosh drives business growth, brand differentiation, and consumer experience in India’s evolving mobility landscape.
Abhinandan Gopalsetty (Director, MINI India): Abhinandan Gopalsetty is a dynamic marketing leader with a strong track record in brand building and strategic growth. Now heading MINI India, he brings deep industry insight and passion for innovation to elevate the brand’s presence in the market. Backed by experience at BMW Motorrad, he excels in driving premium automotive marketing with purpose and impact.
Saurab Kapoor (Head of Marketing, TVS Motor Company): Saurab Kapoor, Vice President & Head of Marketing for the Future Mobility EV Business at TVS Motor Company, brings over 19 years of experience in the consumer durables sector. Known for his strategic vision and market insight, he drives brand growth and innovation. Saurab’s leadership in the EV space reflects his commitment to sustainable mobility and impactful marketing execution.
Mohit Vini (Head Marketing, Royal Enfield (Eicher Motors)): Mohit Vini is an entrepreneurial business leader with 25 years of experience across industries, markets, and product categories. Skilled in marketing, sales, strategy, and P&L management, he has driven brand growth and led high-performing teams. Passionate about mobility, AI, and endurance sports, Mohit is known for visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and delivering impactful outcomes in dynamic, fast-evolving environments.
Pratip Francis (Head of Brand Marketing, MRF Tyres): Pratip Francis is a results-driven marketing and sales leader with 20+ years of experience across auto parts, electricals, bathware, and hardware sectors. Known for creative problem-solving and cross-functional expertise, he has led brand, digital, and retail marketing initiatives. With experience in startups and established firms, Pratip has driven sales across India, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.
Lakshmi Narayanan (CMO, CEAT Limited): Lakshmi Narayanan, Chief Marketing Officer at CEAT, leads marketing across passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses in domestic and international markets. With 18 years of experience in sales and marketing, he drives brand growth through strategic insight and a customer-first approach. Narayanan plays a key role in positioning CEAT as a brand committed to safer, smarter mobility every day.
Kavitha Ganesan (Head of Brand Marketing, TVS Eurogrip): Kavitha Ganesan, Head of Brand Marketing at TVS Eurogrip, brings 18+ years of experience in sales and marketing. She specializes in brand management, marketing communications, and product development. Known for crafting innovative strategies, Kavitha drives brand visibility, customer engagement, and business growth. Passionate about impactful storytelling, she excels in building strong brands that thrive in today’s omnichannel landscape.
Remus D’Cruz (Global Head Marketing- Sports & Community Engagement, Apollo Tyres): Remus D’Cruz is a seasoned marketing leader in the sports and tyres industry, driving global brand strategy for Apollo and Vredestein Tyres. He leads sponsorships, digital innovation, and brand communication, managing major partnerships like Manchester United and Sachin Tendulkar. Known for negotiation and CRM expertise, Remus spearheads multi-million-dollar campaigns that boost brand equity and global customer engagement.
Srinivasu Allappan (Director – Sales & Marketing, JK Tyre & Industries): Srinivasu Allappan is a seasoned sales and marketing leader with 34+ years of experience, known for strategic thinking, business acumen, and people-first leadership. A Wharton Senior Leadership Program graduate, he blends sharp execution with integrity and team synergy. Passionate about driving results, Srinivasu believes attitude, strategy, and collaboration are vital to building sustainable business success.
Siddharth Parida (Head of Marketing, Goodyear India): Siddharth Parida is a seasoned business leader and consumer marketer with 20 years of experience across FMCG and startups. He has led P&L, driven consumer acquisition, and built impactful brand identities. With 18 award-winning ATL campaigns and strong cross-functional marketing teams, Siddharth excels in brand strategy, visual identity, and agency partnerships, driving scalable and profitable business growth.
Pradeep Alex (Head of Marketing, Bridgestone India): Pradeep Alex is an accomplished sales and marketing professional with experience across India and Asia Pacific. Holding an MBA in Marketing & Finance, he specializes in product strategy, retail, and pricing. Skilled in end-to-end product management, lifecycle planning, and cross-functional execution, Pradeep drives volume and profitability through optimized dealer and consumer pricing for both commercial and consumer segments.
Pallavi Kapoor (Head Of Marketing, Continental Tyres India): Pallavi Kapoor is a results-driven marketing leader with 18 years of experience in strategy, sales, and new product development. She excels in cross-functional leadership, consumer insights, and digital strategy. With expertise in ATL/BTL communication, media planning, and P&L ownership, Pallavi has successfully launched products and built consumer-centric brands, blending creativity with strategic execution under resource-constrained environments.
Siddharth Mehta (Marketing Director India, Michelin India): Siddharth Mehta, Marketing Director at Michelin India, brings extensive sales and marketing expertise across geographies. Formerly at Marico, he led brands in male grooming, skincare, and hair care. With a strong background in brand building, P&L ownership, GT sales, and e-commerce strategy, Siddharth has a proven track record of launching products and driving brand and business growth.
Manjari Upadhye (CMO, Mahindra & Mahindra): Manjari Upadhye, Chief Marketing Officer at Mahindra & Mahindra’s Automotive and Farm Equipment sectors, brings vast leadership experience across industries. She drives brand strategy, digital transformation, and customer engagement for Mahindra’s mobility and agribusiness verticals. Known for her business acumen and customer-centric approach, Manjari has played a key role in product positioning, marketing innovation, and expanding Mahindra’s market leadership.
In the end, it’s not just about cars – it’s about the people behind them. These marketing leaders are more than strategists; they’re storytellers, visionaries, and connectors who bring brands to life in meaningful ways. As technology accelerates and consumer expectations evolve, it’s their human touch, their ability to listen, adapt, and inspire that truly sets them apart. In shaping how the world experiences mobility, they remind us that even in a high-tech world, it’s the human drive that steers innovation forward.
– This article is the result of thorough research conducted by the IST Research & Editorial team, with valuable support from technology partners like MiQ and Varun Mohan- Chief Commercial Officer at MiQ”
Disclaimer
The selection process involves rigorous evaluation but is based on subjective criteria, which may lead to variations. Parameters include industry influence, reputation, experience, contributions, education, accolades, and followership. While comprehensive assessments may not capture every aspect of a candidate’s profile. Selection does not imply endorsement or guarantee future performance. Feedback is welcome for improvement.
