Ashok Leyland Announces Senior Management Changes: Sanjay Saraswat to Retire, Rajesh Mani Elevated as SMP

Chennai, India – January 28, 2025: Ashok Leyland Limited (NSE: ASHOKLEY, BSE: 500477) has announced key changes in its senior management personnel (SMP), effective February 1, 2025. The company confirmed that Mr. Sanjay Saraswat, Head of – the Portfolio Management Office, will superannuate from his role on January 31, 2025. Consequently, Mr. Rajesh Mani, Head - Marketing & Corporate Communication, will now report directly to Managing Director & CEO Shenu Agarwal and has been designated as Senior Management Personnel (SMP) under SEBI Listing Regulations.

Key Management Changes​

NamePrevious RoleNew Role (Effective February 1, 2025)Reason for Change
Sanjay Saraswat Head – Portfolio Management Office Retiring (Superannuation) End of tenure
Rajesh Mani Head - Marketing & Corporate Communication Designated as SMP, reporting to CEO Organizational restructuring

Profile of Rajesh Mani​

• Joined Ashok Leyland in 2016 as Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications.
• Leads the brand strategy and communication for Brand Ashok Leyland, supporting its vision to become a top-10 global commercial vehicle manufacturer.
• Prior experience includes:
  • 9 years at Coca-Cola, handling key brands like Thums Up and Limca.
  • 7 years at TI Cycles, spearheading the initiative to promote cycling as a lifestyle habit.
  • Earlier roles at TTK Prestige, gaining expertise in durable consumer goods marketing.
• Education: MBA from T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI).

Strategic Implications of the Change​

• Marketing & Brand Management Gains Strategic Importance: With Rajesh Mani now reporting directly to the CEO, Ashok Leyland is emphasizing its brand-building efforts amid increasing competition in the commercial vehicle (CV) industry.
• Seamless Leadership Transition: The transition ensures continuity of marketing and corporate communications while aligning with Ashok Leyland's global expansion strategy.
• Enhanced Market Positioning: The leadership move aims to strengthen brand visibility, customer engagement, and product positioning in domestic and international markets.

Management Commentary​

Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, stated:
"We thank Mr. Sanjay Saraswat for his valuable contributions and leadership. With Rajesh Mani now part of the senior management team, we aim to accelerate our brand's growth and global footprint.".

Market Outlook & Investor Takeaways​

• Leadership transition underscores Ashok Leyland's focus on marketing-led growth strategies.
• Strategic emphasis on brand building and global expansion positions the company competitively in the commercial vehicle sector.
• Investors will closely monitor Ashok Leyland's performance in upcoming quarters, particularly in branding, market penetration, and international growth.

Ashok Leyland's leadership restructuring reflects its strategic vision for stronger market positioning and brand expansion.