Mumbai- Castrol India Limited., a lubricant manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Mr. Kedar Lele as its new Managing Director, effective 1 November 2024.
Kedar has joined Castrol India following an impressive two-decade career at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), where he most recently held the position of Executive Director, overseeing Sales & Customer Development for South Asia. With his extensive experience in leading high-performing teams, driving growth, and promoting innovation, Kedar is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Castrol India in the dynamic automotive and lubricants sector.
Mr. Rakesh Makhija, Chairman, Castrol India Limited, said, “We are delighted to welcome Kedar to the Castrol India. His vast experience in driving growth and leading large teams in complex markets makes him an outstanding choice to lead Castrol India. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sandeep for his exceptional leadership over the past few years. His contributions have been invaluable in strengthening our position in the market, and we wish him success in his new global role.”
Mr. Kedar Lele, Managing Director, Castrol India Limited, said, “Castrol is a widely recognised brand in the lubricants industry, and I am very excited to lead Castrol India in its next leg of growth and transformation. A key priority for me will be to continue to expand our portfolio coupled with effective deployment models to drive business growth. We will continue to use our trusted brand, innovative product portfolio and cutting-edge technology to stay at the forefront of India’s mobility sector. My experience of working with different categories and geographies has prepared me well to build winning teams while cultivating a spirit of innovation and discipline of execution excellence that aligns with Castrol’s ambitious growth plans.”
Kedar has been collaborating closely with outgoing Managing Director Sandeep Sangwan since September 1, 2024. This changeover period has provided Kedar with valuable insights into the company's operations and helped him build strong relationships with key stakeholders.
As part of this transition, Sandeep will become the Global Chief Marketing Officer at Castrol's London headquarters starting November 1, 2024.
With Kedar leading in India, Castrol is well-positioned for ongoing success in the Indian subcontinent, committed to maintaining its market leadership and driving innovation while fostering a rewarding environment for stakeholders.