Renault Group announced two leadership appointments in India on Monday, signaling the French automaker’s commitment to establishing the country as a central hub for global automotive design and engineering operations.
Sandeep Bhambra has been named Chief Designer Advanced Renault and Head of Renault Design Centre India, while Dr. Vikraman V will serve as Chief of Renault Engineering at Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India in Chennai. The appointments take effect immediately.
The moves come as Renault seeks to accelerate its development in India, which ranks among the world’s largest automotive markets. The company aims to position India not just as a manufacturing base but as a creator of future vehicle concepts and technologies.
Dr. Vikraman joins Renault from Mahindra & Mahindra, where he led the Vehicle Mechanical Division for nearly two decades. He holds a master’s degree and PhD in automotive engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and brings experience in both electric vehicle and internal combustion engine platforms.
Bhambra will continue his current role as Chief Designer Advanced Renault while taking on the new India responsibility. Since 2021, he has led Advanced Design and Concept Cars for Renault in France, working on projects including the Renault 5 Turbo 3E and Scenic Vision. His career includes positions at Peugeot and Tata Motors across India, the UK, and France.
Stéphane Deblaise, Chief Executive Officer of Renault Group India, said the appointments mark a transformative moment in the company’s Indian operations. The executive emphasized India’s emergence as a global center for automotive innovation.
As part of the organizational changes, Renault has renamed its Chennai design facility to Renault Design Centre India to reflect its expanded strategic role.
Renault Group, established in 114 countries, sold 2.265 million vehicles in 2024 and employs more than 98,000 people globally. The company operates four brands: Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and Mobilize, focusing on sustainable and innovative mobility solutions.