Introduction
In a strategic move aligned with its long-term growth and innovation roadmap, Hero MotoCorp, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has appointed Kausalya Nandakumar as the Chief Business Officer (CBO) for its Emerging Mobility Business Unit. The appointment signals a pivotal step in the company’s commitment to developing sustainable and futuristic mobility solutions amidst rapid transformations in the global automotive and mobility sectors.
This article explores the significance of the appointment, the evolving landscape of the mobility industry, Hero MotoCorp’s vision, and how Kausalya Nandakumar’s leadership is poised to shape the company’s future in emerging markets and technologies.
About Hero MotoCorp
Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
Hero MotoCorp has consistently maintained its position as a market leader in India and various global markets with its wide range of two-wheelers. Founded in 1984 as Hero Honda, the company rebranded itself after the split from Honda in 2011 and has since achieved remarkable success on its own.
Hero’s success can be attributed to:
- Extensive distribution networks
- Affordable yet innovative product lineups
- Strong after-sales service
- Focus on rural and urban mobility solutions
Focus on Emerging Mobility
Hero MotoCorp has been actively investing in electric mobility, connected vehicles, sustainable fuels, and global expansion. The Emerging Mobility Business Unit is at the heart of these transformative initiatives.
Who is Kausalya Nandakumar?
A Proven Leader in Business Strategy
Kausalya Nandakumar brings to Hero MotoCorp a wealth of experience in strategic planning, operations, business transformation, and leadership. Before joining Hero MotoCorp, she held various senior leadership positions across sectors such as:
- Retail
- Consumer goods
- Digital transformation
- Mobility services
With an academic background from reputed institutions and a track record of driving change and innovation, her appointment is considered a crucial part of Hero MotoCorp’s strategy to redefine itself in the electric and smart mobility domains.
Career Highlights
- Led digital transformation projects in multinational corporations
- Championed diversity and sustainability in leadership roles
- Recognized for turning around underperforming business units
- Known for data-driven decision-making and customer-first strategy
Her multi-industry expertise makes her a strong fit for Hero’s ambitions beyond traditional automotive markets.
The Role: Chief Business Officer – Emerging Mobility Business Unit
What the Role Entails
As CBO of the Emerging Mobility Business, Kausalya will be responsible for:
- Spearheading growth in the electric vehicle (EV) segment
- Developing strategic partnerships in EV ecosystems
- Overseeing the Vida EV brand, launched in 2022
- Driving innovation and investments in new mobility solutions
- Leading global expansion efforts in new-age transport models
- Building cross-functional teams and collaborating with tech startups
Reporting Structure
Kausalya will report directly to Niranjan Gupta, CEO of Hero MotoCorp, and will be a part of the core leadership team that shapes corporate strategy and new business development.
Hero’s Emerging Mobility Business Strategy
The Vida EV Brand
Hero MotoCorp launched the Vida V1 electric scooter as its flagship product in the EV space. Under the Vida brand, the company aims to:
- Compete with players like Ola Electric, Ather, TVS iQube
- Offer high-performance EVs with smart connectivity features
- Expand charging infrastructure through Vida fast-charging stations
- Introduce new EV models in multiple segments
Investments and Partnerships
Hero MotoCorp has made significant investments and collaborations in the emerging mobility space:
- Ather Energy: Stake in one of India’s leading EV manufacturers
- Zero Motorcycles: Partnership for high-end electric motorcycles
- Battery Swapping Tech: Exploring modular energy solutions
- Global Alliances: Looking to tie up with global mobility startups and tech providers
These moves are strategic to create a full-fledged EV ecosystem, not just standalone products.
Industry Context: Why Emerging Mobility Matters
Global Trends
The global automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift toward:
- Electrification
- Connectivity
- Autonomy
- Shared Mobility
Governments across the world, including India, are pushing for cleaner mobility. With increasing awareness of climate change, EV adoption is no longer optional for companies—it is imperative.
India’s Mobility Revolution
India is expected to become one of the largest EV markets by 2030. The government has introduced several policies and subsidies to support this transformation:
- FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles)
- PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes
- EV charging infrastructure development
Hero MotoCorp, as a legacy two-wheeler giant, needs to adapt quickly to this changing landscape to retain leadership.
Why This Appointment Is Strategic
Aligning Talent with Transformation
Hero MotoCorp’s decision to bring in an experienced professional like Kausalya Nandakumar reflects:
- The need for new thinking and diverse experience
- Focus on organizational agility and innovation
- Intention to drive scalable EV business models
Strengthening the Leadership Bench
Kausalya’s appointment also indicates Hero’s intention to build a leadership team that is:
- Global in outlook
- Digitally savvy
- Open to disruption
- Customer and sustainability focused
It’s not just a functional role but a transformation leadership position.
CEO Niranjan Gupta’s Vision
Hero MotoCorp CEO Niranjan Gupta has outlined the company’s strategy of “Be the Future of Mobility.” His priorities include:
- Building a globally competitive EV portfolio
- Expanding international footprints
- Strengthening digital capabilities
- Driving revenue diversification
Commenting on Kausalya’s appointment, Gupta said it brings “fresh energy and diverse capabilities to an area of strategic focus.”
Challenges Ahead
While the appointment is a strategic move, the road ahead has its share of hurdles:
1. Competitive Pressure
- Strong players like Ola Electric, Ather, and Bajaj are aggressively scaling up
- New global entrants and startups are raising the bar for innovation
2. Infrastructure Bottlenecks
- Charging infrastructure in India is still in early stages
- Battery swapping and service ecosystems are underdeveloped
3. Consumer Perception
- Traditional users are still hesitant to shift to electric vehicles
- Trust and awareness need to be built through education and trials
4. Global Supply Chain Constraints
- Semiconductor shortages and battery material prices affect production and costs
Kausalya will be tasked with navigating these challenges with resilience and strategy.
Opportunities to Leverage
On the flip side, there are massive opportunities:
Market Expansion
- Rural and Tier 2/3 markets for affordable EVs
- Export to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America
Tech and Digital Integration
- Hero’s tie-ups with tech firms can power connected and smart vehicles
- AI, IoT, and data analytics can create personalized experiences
Government Support
- Policies are becoming increasingly EV-friendly
- Subsidies and incentives can drive volume growth
What This Means for Hero Investors and Consumers
For Investors:
- Strengthened leadership may inspire confidence in EV growth
- Potential for long-term value creation in emerging business segments
- Strategic alignment with ESG and sustainability trends
For Consumers:
- Expect broader range of electric vehicles under Vida
- Improved access to charging and servicing infrastructure
- Focus on affordability, reliability, and tech features
Conclusion
The appointment of Kausalya Nandakumar as Chief Business Officer of Hero MotoCorp’s Emerging Mobility Business Unit marks a defining moment in the company’s journey toward sustainable and innovative transportation. It reflects Hero’s intention to not just keep up with change but to lead it.
With her rich background and strategic insight, Kausalya is poised to play a crucial role in positioning Hero MotoCorp as a future-ready mobility leader, both in India and globally.
