Bajaj Auto appoints Rakesh Sharma as Joint Managing Director from June 2026

Bajaj Auto Limited has announced a key leadership change, appointing Rakesh Sharma as Joint Managing Director. The appointment, effective June 1, 2026, will run until March 31, 2029, pending shareholder approval at an upcoming general meeting. The company disclosed this decision after its board of directors meeting on May 6, 2026.

Key Highlights

• Rakesh Sharma appointed Joint Managing Director of Bajaj Auto effective June 1, 2026
• Sharma will oversee Digital and IT as well as Legal divisions in his new role
• Appointment is subject to shareholder approval at an upcoming general meeting
• Sharma has served Bajaj Auto for nearly 19 years in senior leadership roles

Leadership Appointment Details

The Board approved Sharma's redesignation from Executive Director to Joint Managing Director. The decision followed a recommendation from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, which evaluates senior appointments and compensation. The board meeting took place at the company's registered office in Akurdi, Pune, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sharma will continue to oversee his current business responsibilities. He will also assume direct oversight of the Digital & IT and Legal divisions. These departments will now report directly to him. This change aligns the company's technology and legal functions more closely with its commercial strategy.

Sharma will report to Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj, maintaining the existing executive reporting structure. The company has filed required disclosures with stock exchanges under Regulation 30 of SEBI's Listing Regulations and the SEBI Master Circular dated January 30, 2026. The filings confirm Sharma's professional background, term of appointment, and that he has no family or financial ties to other board members.

Bajaj Auto also confirmed, in line with BSE and NSE circulars from June 2018, that Sharma has not been debarred from holding a directorial office by SEBI or any other authority. The company secretary, Rajiv Gandhi, signed the official filing.

Background and Strategic Context

Rakesh Sharma brings over 40 years of professional experience. He joined Bajaj Auto in October 2007 as president of international business. In this role, he helped expand the company's presence across Africa, Latin America, and South and Southeast Asia. Bajaj Auto became one of India's top exporters of two-wheelers and three-wheelers during his tenure.

Sharma was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer in July 2018, then to Executive Director in January 2019. With nearly 19 years at Bajaj Auto, he is one of its longest-serving senior leaders.

This appointment marks a significant leadership change for Bajaj Auto. The creation of the Joint Managing Director role, positioned between the Managing Director and other executive directors, indicates the company is preparing for broader operational challenges. Assigning Digital & IT oversight to Sharma signals the company's intent to integrate technology into its core business strategy.

This approach reflects a wider trend among Indian manufacturing firms, which are placing digital transformation under business leadership rather than isolated technology units.

Company Overview

Bajaj Auto Limited, based in Pune, Maharashtra, is one of India's largest two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturers. The company markets products under brands such as Bajaj, KTM, Husqvarna, and Chetak. Bajaj Auto has a strong international presence and is a leading vehicle exporter from India. The company is listed on both the BSE and NSE, with registered CIN L65993PN2007PLC130076.

CarBike 360 Says

With Rakesh Sharma stepping into the role of Joint Managing Director, Bajaj Auto is clearly positioning itself for its next phase of growth. His extensive industry experience is expected to strengthen strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. As the company navigates evolving market dynamics, this leadership move could play a crucial role in shaping its long-term vision and competitive edge.