Big leadership development at Mahindra! From Anand Mahindra to Pawan Goenka, check details of top management succession plans

It's a major development with respect to key leadership at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. as over the next fifteen months, a number of leaders will be retiring. According to the latest statement by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, "In light of that, and in pursuance of the highest standards of corporate governance, over the past one year the Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee (GNRC) of the Board has completed a structured and rigorous review of top management succession, which has now been ratified by the Board of Directors. These changes include the following:-

Anand Mahindra

With effect from 1st April 2020, Anand Mahindra (64) will transition to the role of Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. This is in accordance with the SEBI guidelines. This will further enhance the independence of the Board.

As Non-Executive Chairman, Mahindra will serve as a mentor and sounding board for the Managing Director on issues to be presented to the Board, especially in the areas of strategic planning, risk mitigation and external interface. In addition, he will be available to provide feedback and counsel to the Managing Director on key issues facing the enterprise.

Dr. Pawan Goenka

Dr. Pawan Goenka will be re-designated as Managing Director and CEO with effect from 1st April 2020. There will be no change in any reporting relationships as a result of this re-designation.

He will retire on 1st April 2021. Dr. Goenka will continue to retain direct responsibility of Ssangyong Motors as Chairman of its Board till his retirement date.

Dr. Anish Shah

Dr. Anish Shah will transition to becoming Managing Director and CEO on 2nd April 2021 with full oversight of all Group businesses, in two phases:

·         On 1st April 2020, he will join the M&M Board as Deputy Managing Director and Group CFO, with responsibility for the Group Corporate Office and full oversight of all business Sectors of the Group other than Auto and Farm Sectors (AFS). He will have direct accountability to the Board for his non-AFS responsibilities.

·         On 2nd April 2021, he will be appointed as Managing Director and CEO.

Rajesh Jejurikar

On 1st April 2020, Rajesh Jejurikar will join the M&M Board as Executive Director (Auto and Farm Sectors), with direct operational responsibility and accountability for the Sectors.

He will report to Dr. Goenka for the transition year and then report to Dr. Anish Shah from 2nd April 2021 onwards.

C.P. Gurnani

On 1st April 2020, C.P. Gurnani, Managing Director & CEO of Tech Mahindra Ltd. will join the M&M Board as a non-executive Director. 

Rajeev Dubey

Rajeev Dubey, Group President (HR & Corporate Services) & CEO (After-Market Sector), will retire on 1st April 2020 on reaching the age of superannuation. He will continue to be associated with the Group in a non-executive and advisory capacity.

Ruzbeh Irani 

Ruzbeh Irani will head Group HR & Communications, which includes CSR, Ethics and CIS.

V. S. Parthasarathy 

V. S. Parthasarathy will head the Mobility Services Sector, which is a new Sector being created by combining the After-Market Sector, Mahindra Logistics and Auto Mobility Services.

Parthasarathy and Ruzbeh will report to Dr. Anish Shah.

 Announcing these changes, Anand Mahindra (Chairman, Mahindra Group) said “This plan reflects M&M’s depth of management talent and will ensure continuity in terms of culture, values, governance and operational effectiveness. In my new role, I see myself as the conscience keeper of the Mahindra Group, as the custodian of its values and the watchdog of the interests of its shareholders. Internal audit will continue to report to me. I will continue to exercise oversight through the Board”.

Speaking on behalf of the Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee (GNRC) of the Board of Directors of M&M Ltd., M. M. Murugappan (GNRC Chairman) said “The GNRC interviewed internal candidates and also considered the prospect of external candidates. This thorough and rigorous process reflects the highest standards of corporate governance. We are confident that the new leadership team is well equipped to perpetuate the Mahindra Rise culture and values while ensuring rapid and profitable growth”.

There will be further changes, both at the Group Corporate Office and Auto and Farm Sectors. These changes will be announced on 23rd December 2019.