Chennai: Schaeffler India, a global supplier in the mobility and industrial sectors, has announced the appointment of Sharad Bhatia as the Head of its Vehicle Lifetime Solutions (VLS) Business Division in India, effective December 2, 2024. In his new role, Bhatia will lead Schaeffler India’s efforts to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving mobility ecosystem, focusing on sustainable, advanced solutions for vehicle longevity and efficiency.
With over 24 years of experience in the automotive parts industry, Mr. Bhatia brings a wealth of expertise in developing robust business platforms and launching innovative product lines. His extensive background in the aftermarket service parts sector positions him as a key driver for Schaeffler’s strategic growth in the VLS business segment, which is focused on extending vehicle lifespan and sustainability through cutting-edge motion technology solutions.
In addition to his experience in India, Bhatia has held leadership roles in multinational organizations across global markets, including Indonesia, China, Singapore, and Italy, adding valuable international perspectives to Schaeffler India’s operations.
Commenting on the appointment, Harsha Kadam, Managing Director & CEO of Schaeffler India, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sharad Bhatia to Schaeffler India as Head of Vehicle Lifetime Solutions. The VLS business is critical to Schaeffler’s strategic growth in India. Sharad’s deep expertise in the aftermarket business, coupled with his experience across diverse international markets, aligns perfectly with our goals. His leadership will play a pivotal role in strengthening the agility and reach of our VLS business, supporting our vision for sustainable motion technology solutions in India.”
Bhatia expressed his enthusiasm for the role, saying, “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.”
Bhatia holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Pune University (1998) and an Executive MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta (2009). He also holds a certification in advanced technology for E-mobility from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (2022), reflecting his forward-looking vision as India’s automotive sector moves toward greener, more sustainable solutions.
