Automotive giant Stellantis has named Shailesh Hazela as its new CEO and Managing Director for India, marking a significant leadership change. Hazela will be taking over from Aditya Jairaj, who will be transitioning to a new role in the United States. This leadership transition is set to be completed by mid-July, ensuring a smooth handover and continuity of strategic initiatives.

Shailesh Hazela previously held the position of Vice President – Global Purchasing and Supply Chain for Stellantis in the India & Asia Pacific region. Since joining the company in September 2022, Hazela has been instrumental in enhancing the supply base across India, ASEAN, Korea, Japan, and other regions. His efforts have been pivotal in developing a robust supply chain framework for Stellantis in the IAP region, showcasing his capability in driving operational excellence.

With over 28 years of diverse experience in sectors including automotive, telecommunications, and railways, Hazela brings a rich background and a deep understanding of industry dynamics. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering, credentials that underscore his strategic and operational expertise. His multifaceted experience positions him well to lead Stellantis India through its next phase of growth and innovation.

Ashwani Muppasani, COO of Stellantis India & Asia Pacific, expressed his confidence in Hazela’s leadership, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Shailesh Hazela as our new CEO and MD. We also extend our gratitude to Aditya for his invaluable contributions. Shailesh’s strategic vision and extensive experience will be key in driving growth and fostering innovation in the Indian market. We believe Shailesh will continue to build on our success and lead the company towards sustainable growth.”

In his statement, Shailesh Hazela shared his excitement about the new role, “It is an honour to lead Stellantis in India. Our iconic brands have been at the forefront of the global automobile industry, and I am dedicated to upholding and advancing this legacy. I deeply appreciate Aditya Jairaj’s contributions and look forward to working with our exceptional teams and partners to drive sustainable progress. My focus will be on accelerating technological innovation and reinforcing our position in both existing and emerging mobility segments.”

Stellantis’s footprint in India is substantial, with three manufacturing plants located in Ranjangaon, Hosur, and Thiruvallur, an ICT Hub in Hyderabad, and a Software Centre in Bengaluru. Additionally, the company operates two R&D centers in Chennai and Pune. Stellantis’s “Make in India” initiative is a testament to its commitment to the Indian market, with India being the only country outside North America to produce four Jeep nameplates.

This strategic leadership transition is expected to further strengthen Stellantis’s position in the Indian automotive market. Under Hazela’s leadership, the company aims to leverage technological advancements and foster innovation, ensuring its continued success and contribution to the global automotive landscape.