Castrol India Welcomes Kedar Lele as New Managing Director

Castrol India Limited, one of India’s leading lubricant manufacturers, has announced that Kedar Lele will take over as Managing Director, effective November 1, 2024. This leadership shift follows the transition of Sandeep Sangwan, the outgoing MD, to the role of Global Chief Marketing Officer at Castrol’s headquarters in London.

Kedar Lele: A Background in Leadership and Growth

Kedar Lele steps into this role following two decades at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), where he last served as Executive Director for Sales & Customer Development across South Asia. During his tenure at HUL, Lele gained recognition for his expertise in leading teams, driving growth, and managing complex markets. These skills are expected to be instrumental as he takes the reins of Castrol India, a key player in an evolving automotive and lubricants industry.

A Seamless Transition

To ensure continuity in leadership, Lele has been working alongside Sangwan since September 1, 2024. This collaborative period allowed him to familiarize himself with Castrol India’s operations, strategic priorities, and key stakeholders, facilitating a smooth handover. The proactive approach is aimed at setting a strong foundation for Castrol’s future growth trajectory.

Vision for Castrol India’s Future

Lele has shared a clear vision for his tenure, focusing on portfolio expansion and the effective deployment of innovative technologies in the automotive and industrial lubricant sectors. “Castrol is a widely recognized brand in the lubricants industry, and I am very excited to lead Castrol India in its next leg of growth and transformation,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to leveraging the company’s trusted brand and product innovations. He also highlighted plans to build high-performance teams that prioritize innovation and disciplined execution, reflecting Castrol’s long-term growth aspirations in the mobility sector.

Rakesh Makhija on the Leadership Shift

Rakesh Makhija, Chairman of Castrol India Limited, expressed optimism regarding Lele’s appointment, noting his expertise in managing large teams and driving growth in diverse markets. Makhija also acknowledged Sangwan’s contributions, stating, “His contributions have been invaluable in strengthening our position in the market, and we wish him success in his new global role.”

Sangwan’s New Role as Global CMO

As Sangwan takes on the role of Global Chief Marketing Officer in London, Castrol’s global operations are set to benefit from his experience in the Indian market. Known for his efforts in market expansion and customer-centric strategies during his time at Castrol India, Sangwan’s new role aligns well with the company’s international ambitions.

Positioned for Continued Growth

With Lele’s experience and strategic focus, Castrol India is poised to navigate the evolving needs of the lubricant and mobility sectors, maintain its market leadership, and drive innovation. The company remains committed to fostering sustainable growth and providing a rewarding environment for its stakeholders across the Indian subcontinent.