Chennai: Renault Group India today announced two strategic leadership appointments, reinforcing India’s growing importance as a global hub for automotive design and engineering.
Dr. Vikraman V has been named Chief of Renault Engineering at Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI), Chennai. In his new role, he will lead engineering excellence and innovation, supporting Renault Group’s global transformation and India’s expanding role in advanced R&D.
Dr. Vikraman joins Renault from Mahindra & Mahindra, where he led the Vehicle Mechanical Division and held senior leadership positions for nearly two decades. With deep expertise in both EV and ICE platforms, he holds a master’s and PhD in automotive engineering from IIT Madras.
To drive the next chapter of design-led mobility, Sandeep Bhambra has been appointed Head of Renault Design Centre India (RDCI), while continuing as Chief Designer Advanced Renault. He will play a pivotal role in shaping future portfolios rooted in Renault’s design DNA while embracing forward-looking innovation. Sandeep will continue to report to Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer, Renault Group.
Commenting on the appointments, Stéphane Deblaise, Chief Executive Officer, Renault Group India, said, “The appointments of Sandeep Bhambra and Dr. Vikraman V mark a transformative moment in Renault Group’s journey in India. India is rapidly emerging as a global epicentre for automotive innovation, and these leaders bring the vision and expertise to harness that momentum. Sandeep’s creative leadership will elevate our design identity, while Vikraman’s engineering depth will drive cutting-edge mobility solutions. Together, they will help position India not just as a contributor, but as a creator of Renault’s future—where global design excellence and Indian ingenuity converge to shape vehicles that inspire, perform, and lead.”
Since 2021, Sandeep has led Advanced Design and Concept Cars for Renault in France, delivering iconic projects such as the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, 4EVER Trophy, Scenic Vision, Estafette Concept, Renault Emblème, and Filante Record 2025. His earlier experience includes design leadership roles at Peugeot and Tata Motors, contributing to both concept and production vehicles across India, the UK, and France.
Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer, Renault Group, added, “In an industry undergoing profound transformation, Sandeep’s international experience, creative vision and determination will be key assets to guide our team in India. While continuing his responsibilities as Chief Designer Advanced Renault, he will ensure Renault Design Centre India plays a pivotal role in our global design strategy, creating cars that truly resonate with Indian customers while reinforcing Renault’s global ambitions and strengthening the brand’s presence in this strategic market.”
To better reflect its strategic role, the Renault Design Centre Chennai has been renamed Renault Design Centre India (RDCI). This move underlines Renault Group’s ambition to accelerate its development in India, one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets, and establish it as a benchmark international hub for design and engineering.
