Gurpratap Boparai resigns as managing director of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, Christian Cahn von Seelen takes charge temporarily

Gurpratap Boparai, has stepped down from his position as the managing director of the Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd. (SAVWIPL), the parent company to brands like Skoda Auto India, Volkswagen Cars India, Audi India, Porsche India, Lamborghini India and Ducati India. Christian Cahn von Seelen, Chairman of SAVWIPL, will take charge of the Group’s Indian operations temporarily, from January 1, 2022, until the announcement of the successor to Boparai.

Gurpratap Boparai has been the managing director of the SAVIPL since April 2018. He has spearheaded the VW group's India 2.0 plan, a project that has enabled the development and high localisation of models like the Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and the to-be-launched Slavia sedan.

Commenting on the resignation of Boparai, Thomas Schaefer, Chairman, Skoda Auto said, “It is with deep regret that we accept the resignation of Gurpratap. I would like to thank him for leading the Group’s India operations through a complex merger, and for his outstanding role in ensuring that the Group’s important India 2.0 project was on schedule with only minimal disruptions, despite the challenges that arose from the pandemic. The seamless execution of the merger and the success of the products launched under the project is a testimony to his leadership and deep understanding of all aspects of the automotive business and of the evolving trends in the auto industry. We thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. I am confident that the leadership team that successfully executed the India 2.0 project under him, is well-equipped to take the company to the next level, in line with our India strategy.”

Bidding goodbye to his current employer Gurpratap Boparai also had a few words to say, “It has been my honour and privilege to lead this fantastic team at SAVWIPL. This was a very difficult decision. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that the team will continue to innovate, excel and deliver beyond its commitments. I would like to thank Thomas Schaefer and Christian Cahn von Seelen and the team at HQ for their support and commitment to the India operations. The India 2.0 project was executed on time thanks to their endeavours, at prioritizing the Indian operations especially in the face of the recent supply chain disruptions.”

Before being a part of the Skoda Auto Volkswagen India group, Boparai was the CEO of Fiat India Private Limited for a span of almost five years. He is also responsible for the localisation of the Compass — the first Jeep model in India. Now, it remains to be seen where Boparai is headed next!