Bajaj Auto Appoints Rakesh Sharma as Joint Managing Director to Strengthen Leadership and EV Growth Strategy!

Bajaj Auto has appointed Rakesh Sharma as its new joint managing director, reinforcing the company’s executive leadership at a time of rapid transformation in India’s two-wheeler and electric mobility markets. The appointment was announced through a regulatory filing and takes effect immediately, with Sharma reporting directly to managing director Rajiv Bajaj.

The leadership move comes as Bajaj Auto continues to expand its presence in premium motorcycles, electric scooters, and export markets while navigating increasing competition and changing market dynamics in the automotive sector.

Rakesh Sharma joined Bajaj Auto in 2009 and most recently served as executive director for marketing and sales in the domestic business. During his tenure, the company strengthened its position in the premium motorcycle segment through successful products such as the Bajaj Pulsar and Bajaj Dominar series. He also played a key role in the launch and market expansion of Bajaj’s electric mobility offerings, including the Bajaj Chetak, supporting the company’s transition toward sustainable mobility solutions.

With more than three decades of automotive industry experience, Sharma has previously held leadership positions at Hero MotoCorp and Yamaha Motor India. His expertise spans sales, marketing, consumer strategy, and premium brand positioning, making him a significant addition to Bajaj Auto’s leadership team during a period of evolving consumer demand and increasing electrification.

The appointment is strategically important as Bajaj Auto seeks to strengthen its domestic and export operations. The company has outlined ambitious growth plans in electric vehicles and aims to double EV sales by 2027. Alongside the Chetak electric scooter range, Bajaj is also focusing on expanding premiumisation within its motorcycle portfolio and improving digital customer engagement.

Industry data indicates that India’s two-wheeler market recorded approximately 10 percent year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2026, driven largely by recovering rural demand and rising consumer interest in premium and electric mobility solutions. In this competitive landscape, Bajaj Auto faces strong competition from companies such as Hero MotoCorp and TVS Motor Company.

Analysts view Sharma’s promotion as a sign of the company’s confidence in internal leadership and continuity of its market-driven growth strategy. His expanded responsibilities are expected to include strengthening domestic sales operations, enhancing digital sales channels, driving premiumisation strategies, and managing regulatory challenges related to emissions and sustainability standards.

Headquartered in Pune, Bajaj Auto operates manufacturing facilities across Maharashtra and Uttarakhand and employs more than 20,000 people. The company recently reported consolidated quarterly revenue of approximately ₹11,000 crore, reflecting continued growth supported by both domestic demand and exports.

Overall, the appointment of Rakesh Sharma as joint managing director signals Bajaj Auto’s intent to strengthen leadership continuity while accelerating its strategic focus on premium motorcycles, electric mobility, and long-term market expansion.