Vikram Kasbekar to be Acting CEO of Hero MotoCorp After Niranjan Gupta Steps Down

Hero MotoCorp has named Vikram Kasbekar, Executive Director – Operations and Head – Global Product Planning, as its acting CEO after the departure of Niranjan Gupta, which will be effective May 1, 2025. Kasbekar joined the company in 2001 and was previously Head of Operations, Head of Supply Chain, and Chief Technology Officer. He also serves on the company’s Board of Directors, and is a member of multiple board committees including Risk Management and Stakeholders’ Relationships. 

According to a company profile, Kasbekar is a key member of the company’s management teams handling new models, pricing, sourcing, statutory compliance and audit. He has played an important role in developing Hero MotoCorp’s New Model Centre and Global Parts Centre, as well as its strategies for sustainable manufacturing and global standards compliance. He also serves on the boards of HMCL Niloy Bangladesh Ltd and HMC MM Auto Ltd.

Also see: Auto Sales January 2025: Marginal Drop For Hero Domestically, Vida Picks Up Traction

Kasbekar’s career in the Indian automotive industry began over 48 years ago. In addition to bikes, he has managed commercial vehicles and auto ancillary products. He is a member of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), contributing to its Manufacturing Council. He also serves as the Chairman of Greenco (Delhi Chapter).

Niranjan Gupta will remain in his position till April 30, 2025. As per a company statement, he has resigned to pursue other opportunities. He has served as CEO for two years, and was Chief Financial Officer before that, having joined Hero MotoCorp eight years ago.

WIth regards to the change in personnel, Hero's Executive Chairman Pawan Munjal, said: “Since joining Hero in 2017, Niranjan has strengthened our financial resilience, forged global alliances and laid the foundation for the House of Strategy that defines our future growth journey. His leadership has been pivotal in steering the company towards new frontiers. I wish him the very best and all the success for his future. Vikram Kasbekar will assume the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer. Vikram will guide the organization and leadership through this transition until a new CEO is appointed."

The company also announced some other new leadership roles – National Sales Head Ashutosh Varma will take over from Ranjivjit Singh as Chief Business Officer, India Business Unit; and Head of HR for R&D Jyoti Singh has been promoted to Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer.

Further, Hero MotoCorp’s EV and Emerging Mobility Business Unit (EMBU) has been spun off as a fully independent firm, effective February 1, 2025. It will continue to develop electric mobility solutions including the Vida electric scooter lineup and EV chargers.