In
a surprise corporate development, Gurpratap Boparai Managing Director of Skoda
Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVWIPL) has put in his papers with effect from January
1, 2022. The company stated that his successor will be announced soon.
In
the meantime, Christian Cahn von Seelen will take interim charge of the VW
Group’s Indian operations from January 1, 2022, in his capacity as Chairman of
SAVWIPL.
“It
is with deep regret that we accept the resignation of Gurpratap. I would like
to thank him for leading the Group’s India operations through a complex merger,
and for his outstanding role in ensuring that the Group’s important India 2.0
project was on schedule with only minimal disruptions, despite the challenges
that arose from the pandemic,” Thomas Schaefer, Chairman, Škoda Auto, said.
“The
seamless execution of the merger and the success of the products launched under
the project are a testimony to his leadership and deep understanding of all
aspects of the automotive business and of the evolving trends in the auto
industry. We thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best in his
future endeavours. I am confident that the leadership team that successfully
executed the India 2.0 project under him, is well-equipped to take the company
to the next level, in line with our India strategy,” he added.
The
former CEO of Fiat India Automobiles Ltd, Gurpratap Boparai joined the Group in
April 2018 as Managing Director of Skoda Auto India Pvt Ltd. Boparai was
entrusted with the responsibility of leading SAVWIPL, which was in essence the
merged operations of three VW Group entities --Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd, Škoda
Auto India Pvt Ltd, and Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt Ltd.
Since
then, Boparai had been in the forefront of several launches from the group
which included the Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun and more recently the Skoda Slavia
which will be launched early 2022.
Boparai
said: “It has been my honour and privilege to lead this fantastic team at
SAVWIPL. This was a very difficult decision. I am incredibly proud of what we
have accomplished together and confident that the team will continue to
innovate, excel and deliver beyond its commitments. I would like to thank Thomas
Schaefer and Christian Cahn von Seelen and the team at HQ for their support and
commitment to the India operations. The India 2.0 project was executed on time
thanks to their endeavours, at prioritising the Indian operations especially in
the face of the recent supply chain disruptions.”