Top 10 Automotive Leaders

B S Rao , Managing Director - India & Director - Operations, Novares India Automotive
B S Rao : Expanding Global Leadership & Mentoring Future Entrepreneurs

In today’s rapidly evolving automotive industry, leaders must not only focus on operational success but also drive innovation and adapt to meet global demands. B S Rao, Managing Director for India and Director of Operations for UK and Brazil at Novares Group, has demonstrated this vision throughout his career. Armed with three decades of work experience, he has made a significant impact in turning companies around and building a strong future strategy. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening Novares’ position in various regions powering the company’s growth across India, Europe, the United Kingdom and Brazil, and ensuring that it stays at the top of the automotive solutions industry.

Rao began his journey at Polyplastics Industries as a trainee and went on to become a senior member of that organization. His thirteen years with Polyplastics have been crucial for the introduction of digital technologies in manufacturing and for facilitating joint ventures with Japanese and 4 Spanish companies.

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Top 10 Automotive Leaders - 2026

The global automotive industry stands at the forefront of one of the most dynamic technological revolutions of our time. Rapid advancements in electrification, connectivity, automation, and sustainable manufacturing are reshaping the future of mobility. As consumer expectations evolve and regulatory frameworks push for cleaner and smarter transportation, the role of automotive leaders has become more critical than ever. These industry pioneers are steering organizations through complex transitions while redefining how vehicles are designed, produced, and experienced.

Today’s automotive leaders are not only driving engineering excellence but are also embracing innovation across multiple dimensions. From accelerating the shift toward electric vehicles and investing in next-generation battery technologies to integrating artificial intelligence, connected systems, and software-driven vehicle platforms, they are building the foundation for the mobility ecosystems of tomorrow. Sustainability has also emerged as a key priority, with leaders focusing on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and adopting responsible manufacturing practices.

At the same time, the industry is witnessing greater collaboration across technology companies, mobility platforms, and automotive manufacturers, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth. Visionary leadership is essential to navigate these changes and maintain competitiveness in an increasingly digital and globalized marketplace.

"Today’s automotive leaders are not only driving engineering excellence but are also embracing innovation across multiple dimensions. From accelerating the shift toward electric vehicles and investing in next-generation battery technologies to integrating artificial intelligence, connected systems, and software-driven vehicle platforms, they are building the foundation for the mobility ecosystems of tomorrow"

CEO Insights in this issue presents a list of ‘Top 10 Automotive Leaders - 2026' who have leveraged their extensive industry expertise and experience in offering effective skills to the market. In this special feature, we highlight automotive leaders who are shaping the direction of the industry with bold ideas, strategic foresight, and a commitment to innovation. Their perspectives offer valuable insights into how the future of mobility is being reimagined and built today. The following list has been prepared after being closely scrutinized by a distinguished panel of judges including CXOs, analysts and our editorial board. We recognize their valuable contribution to the ever expanding and competitive market and their ability to sustain themselves and emerge as top contestants through their reliable knowledge.

Top 10 Automotive Leaders - 2026

Company Management	Company Name	Company Description
Adarsh Kumar, Chief Digital & AI Officer - Retail Mobility	TVS Motor Company	His leadership experience spans delivering cutting-edge analytics, IoT, and AI solutions to global clients, solving complex business challenges, meeting ambitious revenue targets, and managing large teams
B S Rao, Director of Operations	Novares India Automotive	He brings 30 years of experience fostering growth across India, Europe, the UK, and Brazil, with leadership rooted in trust, long-term vision, and ongoing transformation
Debjyoti Dutta, Chief Commercial Officer & VP	Maruti Suzuki India	With more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, he specializes in new business development, channel sales, market expansion, revenue growth, profit center management, stakeholder engagement, and more
Gopi Sankar M, Senior Vice President & CTO	Ashok Leyland	With nearly three decades in automotive engineering and technology leadership, he has a proven track record in alternative fuels, modular vehicle platforms, new product development, and digital transformation
Mohit Kapoor, Group CTO & Group Head - Technology	Mahindra Group	He has over 30 years of cross-industry experience, leading innovation, digital transformation, process excellence, and customer-centric strategies
Narayan Subramaniam, Co-Founder & CEO	Ultraviolette Automotive	He shapes the company’s strategy while actively guiding the team through product development, delivering high-performance, reliable electric mobility solutions that combine innovative design with exceptional functionality and vision
Rajesh Goel, Sr. Vice President - Marketing & Sales	Honda Cars India	He brings over 25 years of experience driving results, fostering strong partnerships, and leading diverse global teams across sales & marketing, purchasing, manufacturing, and quality to achieve peak performance
Sanjay Jha, Vice President	Bajaj Auto	He excels in crafting and executing strategic initiatives that drive business growth and market leadership, with proven expertise in business planning, product positioning, and innovative market strategies
Thushar KS, Co-Founder & CEO	MotoXchange	He brings nearly three decades in automotive and mobility, leading retail operations, business model innovation, franchise growth, and technology-driven transformation across the pre-owned automotive ecosystem with proven strategic impact
Vaibhav Paharia, COO	CIE Automotive India	With 13 years of experience in the automotive industry, he drives business growth through innovation, collaboration, and transparent communication, excelling in P&L management, safety, sustainability, and overall performance