VinFast appoints Rao as CEO for Middle East to accelerate regional expansion

VinFast has appointed Rao as Chief Executive Officer of its Middle East regional office. This move strengthens the electric vehicle maker’s leadership team as it expands across key international markets. Rao announced his new role on LinkedIn, expressing enthusiasm for the position and the journey ahead. In his new capacity, Rao will oversee regional operations and focus on driving profitability for VinFast’s Middle East business.

Key Highlights

• VinFast appoints Rao as CEO for the Middle East regional office
• Rao brings nearly 20 years of automotive industry experience
• He previously served as Director of Sales and After-sales at VinFast
• Rao's cross-market exposure includes India, Japan, the  Middle East, and ASEAN

Leadership Appointment Details

Rao brings nearly 20 years of automotive industry experience to VinFast. He has worked with Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Honda, and Nissan Motor Corporation. His expertise covers aftersales, dealer network development, customer quality, business operations, and digital transformation. Before this appointment, Rao served as director of sales, network development, and aftersales at VinFast. In that role, he contributed to market entry planning and network development across the region.

Rao has also led the establishment of sales and after-sales operations, customer care centers, parts logistics, and technical support infrastructure. He has managed initiatives focused on digital transformation and customer service improvements. His experience in setting up these operations is expected to benefit VinFast’s expansion efforts in the Middle East.

Previous Roles and Industry Experience

Earlier, Rao served as Deputy CEO at VinFast India. In that position, he was involved in electrification and digitalization initiatives across several Asian markets. He supported VinFast’s early plans for vehicle manufacturing and localization in India and other regions. Rao’s cross-market exposure includes work in India, Japan, the Middle East, and ASEAN countries.

This international experience is expected to support VinFast’s growth ambitions as the company scales its global electric vehicle footprint. VinFast continues to invest in leadership and infrastructure to strengthen its presence in international markets. The appointment of Rao as CEO for the Middle East is a key step in this strategy.

VinFast’s focus on expanding its operations in the Middle East aligns with its broader goal of becoming a major global electric vehicle manufacturer. The company aims to leverage Rao’s industry knowledge and regional expertise to achieve sustainable growth in the region.

Also Read: VinFast Projects Break-Even by Next Year, Plans 300,000 EV Deliveries in 2026

CarBike 360 Says

​VinFast’s decision to appoint Rao as CEO for its Middle East operations highlights its strong intent to establish a competitive foothold in the region’s rapidly evolving EV market. With focused leadership and a clear growth strategy, the brand is poised to expand its presence, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate the adoption of electric mobility across key Middle Eastern markets.