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Tag: Managing

Leadership Change: Kedar Lele Appointed Managing Director of Castrol India

Bengaluru, 1 November 2024: Castrol India Limited, a leading lubricant manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Kedar Lele as its new Managing Director, effective 1 November 2024.

Kedar joins Castrol India after an illustrious two decade-long career at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), where he last served as the Executive Director of the company, responsible for Sales & Customer Development, South Asia. With his deep expertise in leading high-performing teams, driving growth, and fostering innovation, Kedar is set to play a pivotal role in steering Castrol India’s future in the evolving automotive and lubricants industry.

Commenting on the appointment, 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.”

Bengaluru has been instrumental in shaping Kedar’s career, offering him his initial professional opportunity in advertising at DDB-Mudra. In this role, he managed a diverse portfolio, including fashion, beverages, foods, and information technology, allowing him to develop a wide range of skills that laid the foundation for future leadership roles. During his time at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) as the Marketing Manager of Kwality Wall’s – the Ice Creams division in Bengaluru, Kedar led impactful initiatives to expand market reach across urban and rural India. His innovative, locally tailored campaigns resonated deeply with consumers and significantly boosted the brand’s visibility and acceptance in the country. Kedar’s strengths include people leadership, strategic business planning, alliances & partnerships, and executing effective go-to-market strategies, all of which make him exceptionally equipped for his leadership role at Castrol India.

Reflecting on his experience in the Silicon Valley of India, Kedar Lele, Managing Director, Castrol India Limited, said, “My time in Bengaluru taught me the value of blending creativity with data-driven strategies. The insights I gained from marketing Ice Creams, a highly consumer-driven category, have shaped my understanding of consumer needs and product appeal, which I will bring to Castrol India. I am eager to foster a similar spirit of innovation here, empowering our team to deliver industry-leading results.”

Castrol India has been a vital contributor to Bengaluru’s automotive ecosystem, with a well-established network of over 600 outlets, including Castrol Auto Service centers, bike points, numerous multi-brand car workshops, and an extensive dealer network, all catering to the city’s diverse automotive and consumer needs. With a dedicated focus on improving access to high-quality lubricant products, Castrol India has expanded its presence across Bengaluru, ensuring that car and bike owners can benefit from advanced lubrication solutions.

To ensure a seamless leadership transition, Kedar has been working closely with the outgoing Managing Director, Sandeep Sangwan, since 1 September 2024. This period of changeover has allowed Kedar to gain strategic insights into the company’s operations and foster strong relationships with key stakeholders.

As part of the leadership shift, Sandeep will assume the role of Global Chief Marketing Officer at Castrol headquarters in London from 1 November 2024.

With Kedar at the helm in India, Castrol is well-positioned for continued success in the Indian subcontinent. The company remains committed to sustaining its market leadership, pushing the boundaries of innovation, and fostering a rewarding environment for its stakeholders.

Ravindra Rai M. Appointed as Managing Director & CEO of BOBCARD LIMITED

Ravindra Rai MAppointed as Managing Director & CEO of BOBCARD LIMITED

New Delhi, 08 October 2024: BOBCARD LIMITED, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, announces the appointment of Mr. Ravindra Rai M. to the position of Managing Director & CEO. Mr. Rai, who previously served as the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of BOBCARD LIMITED, will now lead the company’s strategic initiatives aimed at solidifying its presence as a key player in the credit card industry.

Mr. Ravindra Rai brings with him nearly three decades of extensive experience in the Banking and Financial Services Industry. In his new role, Ravindra Rai will focus on driving business growth while strengthening the company’s risk management framework, enhance customer experience and curating innovative product portfolio that meets the evolving needs of the Indian consumer base—all in alignment with BOBCARD LIMITED’s motto of “Reimagining credit for India.”

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Rai has held various key roles, including General Manager at Bank of Baroda. In his previous role at the parent Bank, he excelled in areas such as Treasury, Credit, International Banking, and Banking Operations. Prior to joining BOBCARD LIMITED, Mr. Rai spent over 15 years at Vijaya Bank, where he managed rural and corporate banking branches, oversaw strategic regions, and contributed significantly at the bank’s corporate office and overseas operations in the Middle East.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Ravindra Rai, MD & CEO, BOBCARD LIMITED said, “I am delighted to assume the role of Managing Director & CEO at BOBCARD LIMITED. This opportunity is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I am eager to lead our team in our mission to provide outstanding value and service to our customers. With a strong focus on innovation and a commitment to product excellence, I look forward to building on our tradition of success and guiding BOBCARD LIMITED toward a future of continued growth and achievement.”

Mr. Rai’s academic background includes a degree in Economics, a Master’s in Public Relations, and an associate membership with the Indian Institute of Bankers. He is also a certified forex professional and has specialized knowledge in IT and Cyber Security for Senior Management.

In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Rai is a passionate cricketer, having represented Mangalore University, Zone and Karnataka State, where he earned accolades for his outstanding performances in sports.