The Hindu Business Line : Top moves in two-wheeler cos

IT is a season of movements for key officials at two-wheeler companies. In fact, top officials from at least four two-wheeler companies have put in their papers in recent months.

Most recently Mr Atul Sobti who was Executive Director (Operations) at Hero Honda had put in his papers. Mr R.L. Ravichandran, who was previously head of marketing at Bajaj Auto, has moved to Royal Enfield as CEO.

Yamaha Motor India, too, has seen the exit of several key officials. Mr A.V. Srinivasan who was Executive Director at the company has recently put in his papers. Prior to his departure Mr S.K. Taneja, who was also Executive Director at Yamaha had resigned.

Meanwhile, Mr Rakesh Jayal, who was Executive Director at LML Ltd, has left the company. Industry insiders, however, point out that the resignations are not reflective of current trends in the two-wheeler sector but more to do with individual choice.

"For instance, there had been friction between top officials and the management at a Japanese two-wheeler firm. Officials at the managerial level were peeved about not being allowed to take part in the decision making process as far as new models and future strategy were concerned.

"This resulted in the resignation of several officials. In fact, in an increasing number of instances, top-level exits are resulting from differences in opinion with the management over the company's strategy and style of functioning, " an industry official points out.

Another reason could lie in the fact that with the automotive sector on a high and several new companies entering the arena, there are opportunities aplenty in the segment. Multinational firms, it is believed, are looking to pick up experienced talent to steer their Indian operations.

Meanwhile, officials add that with the resignations coming only a few months before the crucial festive period, two-wheeler companies will have to act fast to brace up for the season.

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