Tata AutoComp Systems, one of the leading automotive components manufacturers, has appointed Manoj Kolhatkar as its new Managing Director and CEO.

Kolhatkar marks his return to the Tata Group, where he had earlier spent 22 years across functions at Tata AutoComp Systems as well as Tata Motors. In his last role, he served as the MD of Gabriel India and later as Group Co-COO at Anand Group.

Arvind Goel, Chairman, Tata AutoComp Systems, said, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Manoj Kolhatkar to the Tata AutoComp family. His extensive industry knowledge, visionary leadership, and track record of driving transformative growth align perfectly with Tata AutoComp’s mission to innovate and excel. As we navigate an exciting phase of expansion and diversification, Manoj’s strategic acumen and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly propel us to new heights.”

Manoj Kolhatkar, said, “I am deeply privileged to join Tata AutoComp Systems as Managing Director and CEO. TACO has established itself as a trailblazer in the automotive industry, and I am excited to lead the organisation in its next phase of innovation and global expansion. Together with our talented team and valued partners, we will strive to deliver transformative solutions, strengthen our foothold in diversified industries, and create sustainable value for all our stakeholders. I am committed to upholding TACO’s legacy of excellence while shaping a future of growth and opportunity.”

Tier 1 automotive component supplier Uno Minda has announced strategic restructuring of its leadership and Board of Directors. The transition effective from 1 April 2025, the company shared is a significant step towards enhancing governance, operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

The company has announced a decisive move to separate the roles of Chairman and Managing Director, which it shared will enhance leadership clarity, reinforce operational focus and drive the company’s strategic vision.

Ravi Mehra, currently serving as Deputy Managing Director, will be elevated to the position of Managing Director, where he will oversee the company’s operations and management. Meanwhile, Nirmal Kumar Minda will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, focusing on strategic direction, business oversight and mentoring the leadership team. His role will also encompass championing employee development and fostering a sustainable organisational culture.

Mehra has been instrumental in the company’s growth since joining in 1995.

Furthermore, Uno Minda has also announced key appointments to its Board of Directors, which includes Shekar Viswanathan who brings over four decades of experience, having retired as Vice-Chairman and Whole-time Director of Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

Abhay Damle, Independent Director has held various key government positions, including Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and Director of the Central Institute of Road Transport, Pune.

Paridhi Minda and Pallak Minda, Non-Executive Directors, the daughters of Nirmal Kumar Minda add significant value through their diverse academic and industry experience. Paridhi holds a management degree from Bradford University, a certification from the London School of Economics, and has attended finishing school at Institut Villa Pierrefeu, Switzerland. Pallak is a graduate in Entrepreneurship from Delhi University, has also completed a Master’s Programme for Entrepreneurs and Family Businesses (MPEFB) from IIM Bangalore.

“This realignment and strengthening of our Board reflect Uno Minda’s unwavering commitment to robust corporate governance and sustainable growth. We are confident that Ravi Mehra’s leadership, along with the expertise of our new Board members, will be instrumental in driving Uno Minda’s continued success,” said Nirmal Minda.

Automotive component supplier Tata AutoComp Systems has entered into definitive agreements to acquire up to 80 percent shareholding of Artifex Interior Systems (formerly known as IAC UK). The move comes within less than a week of the company’s acquisition of IAC Sweden and is expected to further strengthen Tata AutoComp’s footprint in Europe. For FY2024-2025 Artifex is expected to clock a revenue of GBP 296 million.

Tata AutoComp has purchased the majority shareholding from Jaguar Land Rover Ventures, a subsidiary within the Jaguar Land Rover Automotive, which is part of Tata Motors. The move will further strengthen Tata AutoComp’s global presence and provide access to Artifex’s innovation in interior systems and components (including design, manufacture and integration of overheads systems, instrument panels, centre consoles, door panels and interior trim) to enhance the company’s relationships with key OEMs (including Jaguar Land Rover, BMW Mini, Bentley, INEOS, and Toyota) in the passenger vehicle segments, particularly in Europe.

Arvind Goel, Vice Chairman, Tata AutoComp Systems, said: “We are pleased to welcome Artifex into the Tata AutoComp family. This acquisition aligns with our strategic vision of expanding our global footprint and strengthening our expertise in automotive interior systems. Artifex’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and established customer relationships will enhance our presence in key markets, enabling us to deliver differentiated solutions and drive long-term growth.”

Manoj Kolhatkar, MD & CEO of Tata AutoComp Systems, added, “Artifex's technical expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities enhance our technological leadership, strengthening our presence in the premium automotive segment.”

Pune-headquartered tier 1 supplier Varroc has appointed Liselott Kilaas as an Independent Director to its Board of Directors.

At present, Kilaas serves on the boards of multinational companies and has a proven track record of steering businesses through dynamic and complex environments. She holds a MBA from IMD Business School and Master’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics.

This move the company shared is part of strengthening its leadership with global expertise and diverse perspectives.

Tarang Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, Varroc, said, “We are delighted to welcome Liselott Kilaas to our Board of Directors. Her vast experience and strategic insights will be invaluable in driving Varroc’s growth and enhancing our global competitiveness.”

Liselott Kilaas, said, “I am honoured and excited to join Varroc’s Board as an Independent Director. I look forward to contributing my expertise to support the company’s growth and strategic vision.”

American powertrain major BorgWarner has announced that it has elevated Chandrasekar Krishnamurthy as the Global Director of Product Management for BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems, effective 1 March 2025.

The company shared that the elevation is part of its future growth strategy, which aims to realign focus on its product family to drive competitiveness in cost, technical maturity, time to market, and compliance.

In his new role Krishnamurthy will be responsible for leading the product management team by accelerating product industrialisation readiness. Developing competitive product platform solutions in collaboration with other functions.

He will also focus on aligning product roadmaps with sales strategy, along with delivering competitive and compliant solutions on time. In addition, he will also contribute to engineering efficiency initiatives and continuously improve engineering development framework and product safety/security compliance.