Hero MotoCorp Names Kausalya Nandakumar as Chief Business Officer for EV and Emerging Mobility Unit

Hero MotoCorp has appointed Kausalya Nandakumar as Chief Business Officer of its Emerging Mobility Business Unit, which includes the EV brand Vida. She takes over leadership responsibilities from Swadesh Srivastava, who is stepping down for health reasons.

Hero MotoCorp Names Kausalya Nandakumar as Chief Business Officer for EV and Emerging Mobility Unit

Hero MotoCorp has appointed Kausalya Nandakumar as the new Chief Business Officer for its Emerging Mobility Business Unit, effective July 10, 2025. In this role, she will report to Executive Chairman Dr. Pawan Munjal. She replaces Swadesh Srivastava, who is stepping away due to health concerns.

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How does Kausalya Nandakumar's role at Hero MotoCorp compare to Sanjeev Kulkarni's position at Billion Electric?

Both Kausalya Nandakumar and Sanjeev Kulkarni are tasked with leading electric vehicle initiatives in their respective companies. Kausalya will oversee strategy and operations for Hero MotoCorp's Emerging Mobility Business Unit, focusing on electric scooters, while Sanjeev will expand Billion Electric's heavy-duty EV solutions, including electric trucks and buses. Their roles highlight the growing importance of leadership in the EV sector across different vehicle categories.

What are some recent developments in electric two-wheelers that may impact Hero MotoCorp's strategy?

Recent developments include the launch of the Vida V2 series electric scooters by Hero MotoCorp, which aims to make EVs more accessible. Additionally, companies like Greaves Electric Mobility and Revolt Motors are experiencing significant growth in the electric two-wheeler market, with Greaves recording a 53% year-over-year increase in sales. These trends suggest a competitive landscape that could influence Hero MotoCorp's strategic decisions in the EV segment.

What challenges do electric motorcycle manufacturers face in consumer adoption compared to electric scooters?

Electric motorcycle manufacturers, like Oben Electric, face unique challenges in consumer adoption, particularly due to the emotional and practical attachments motorcycle users have to their vehicles. The market perceives motorcycles as essential for livelihoods and social status, leading to resistance against transitioning to electric models. In contrast, electric scooters may attract consumers more easily due to their growing acceptance and practicality in urban environments.

What strategies are companies like Ather Energy employing to enhance their digital infrastructure?

Ather Energy has appointed Anjani Kumar as Chief Digital and Information Officer to strengthen its digital strategy and technology backbone. This includes overseeing the development of digital platforms, enhancing IT infrastructure, and integrating AI for improved customer experience. Such initiatives are crucial as Ather expands its product line and addresses the complexities of scaling operations in the rapidly evolving EV market.

How does the growth of electric two-wheelers in India compare to traditional vehicles?

The growth of electric two-wheelers in India has been significant, with EVs gaining nearly 10% market share compared to traditional vehicles. Companies like Kinetic Green emphasize the importance of electrifying commonly used vehicles such as two-wheelers and three-wheelers to reduce pollution and lower costs. This trend reflects a broader shift towards sustainable transportation solutions in developing nations like India.

The Emerging Mobility Business Unit includes Hero's electric vehicle (EV) operations under the Vida brand. Kausalya will be responsible for overseeing strategy, operations, and future development in this segment.

Industry Experience and Past Roles

Kausalya brings with her nearly 20 years of experience across the automotive, electric mobility, and digital sectors. She spent most of her career at the Mahindra Group, where she led several business verticals. Her most recent position was Chief Operating Officer at Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd., where she managed the operational planning and market entry for Mahindra’s electric SUV division.
Previously, she worked on Mahindra’s farm equipment division, developed the “Krish-e” platform, and led the digital logistics platform SmartShift. She also contributed to Mahindra’s shared mobility business and was involved in projects focused on electric charging infrastructure.

Education and Industry Engagement

Kausalya holds an MBA in Marketing from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, and a bachelor's degree in Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering from Mumbai University. She has completed executive programs at Harvard Business School and other institutions. She has participated in various industry groups, including FICCI’s EV vertical and SIAM’s EV Mobility Group.

Transition Support and Future Focus

As part of the transition, outgoing officer Swadesh Srivastava will support Kausalya in the handover process over the coming weeks. Hero MotoCorp stated that this change aligns with its focus on building its electric and emerging mobility portfolio.
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