Schaeffler India has appointed Sharad Bhatia as Head of Vehicle Lifetime Solutions (VLS), effective December 2, 2024. In this new role, Bhatia will lead the company’s initiatives to enhance its position in the mobility ecosystem, furthering Schaeffler India's commitment to delivering sustainable and advanced motion technology solutions.

Mr Bhatia has over 24 years of extensive experience in the automotive parts industry. He has a proven track record in establishing robust business platforms and launching innovative product lines tailored to meet evolving customer needs. The company states that "his expertise in the aftermarket service parts sector is a valuable asset for Schaeffler India, particularly as the company expands its VLS business segment aimed at enhancing vehicle longevity and sustainability through advanced technological solutions."

In addition to his experience in India, he has held positions in various multinational organizations across international markets, including Indonesia, China, Singapore, and Italy.

Commenting on the appointment,  Harsha Kadam, MD & CEO of Schaeffler India, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Sharad Bhatia to Schaeffler India as Head of Vehicle Lifetime Solutions. The Vehicle Lifetime Solutions business is an important business division for the Strategic growth of Schaeffler in India. His extensive background in the aftermarket business, combined with his experience in multinational markets, aligns well with our strategic goals. Sharad’s leadership will be pivotal in strengthening and enhancing the agility of our VLS business, further reinforcing our commitment to sustainable motion technology solutions in India”.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role,  Sharad Bhatia said: “I am excited to join Schaeffler India at a time when the automotive industry is rapidly transforming. My focus will be on expanding our aftermarket solutions portfolio by leveraging advanced motion technology to deliver value and innovation. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Schaeffler India to strengthen our Vehicle Lifetime Solutions division and provide our customers with sustainable, reliable, and forward-looking solutions”.

Sharad Bhatia earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Pune University (1998) and an Executive MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta (2009). In 2022, he also completed a certification in advanced technology for E-mobility from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, highlighting his forward-thinking approach in the automotive sector, especially as India’s mobility landscape shifts towards more sustainable solutions.