Tata Motors Appoints Sudhir Chikhle as New Supply Chain Head Amid Demerger

Key Highlights:

• Tata Motors appoints Sudhir Chikhle as new supply chain head.

• Hemant Barge steps down after nearly 30 years of service.

• Transition aligns with PV and EV business demerger.

• Focus on cost efficiency and localisation strategy.

• Move to boost supply chain resilience and EV growth.

Tata Motors has announced a major leadership change as part of its ongoing transformation and strategic demerger of its Passenger Vehicles (including EVs) and Commercial Vehicles divisions. The company has named Sudhir Chikhle as the new Head of Procurement for Passenger Vehicles and EV businesses, replacing Hemant Barge, who steps down after nearly three decades of service.

Aligning Supply Chain with Transformation Goals

This move aims to unify procurement operations, strengthen supply chain resilience, and accelerate Tata Motors’ electrification plans. The timing aligns with the company’s strategy to run its Passenger Vehicles and EV divisions as separate entities under the demerger process, creating stronger operational synergies.

Hemant Barge Steps Down After 30 Years

Hemant Barge, one of Tata Motors’ most respected leaders, has decided to step down from his role as Head of Purchase & Parts Development, Supply Chain Management, and Supplier Quality for Passenger Vehicles.

Barge’s journey at Tata Motors began in 1994 in manufacturing. Over the years, he played key roles such as:

• Head of Operations at JLR India (2010–2015): Launched six benchmark products.

• Head of Manufacturing for Passenger Vehicles (2015): Oversaw seven plants and 3,600+ employees, achieving a 24% reduction in conversion costs.

• Product Line Operations Head (2017): Managed ₹9,000 crore worth of programmes and launched Tata’s first EV, the Tigor EV.

• PV Head of Purchase (2018–2024): Led procurement strategies, supplier quality improvement, and cost competitiveness.

A Tata Motors spokesperson acknowledged his lasting contributions, highlighting his impact on manufacturing, operations, and procurement over the past three decades.

Sudhir Chikhle Takes the Helm

Succeeding Barge is Sudhir Chikhle, who will now lead procurement for Tata Motors’ Passenger Vehicles and EV divisions.

Chikhle joined Tata Passenger Electric Mobility in December 2023 as Chief Purchase Officer. He brings over 25 years of industry experience, including:

• Fiat/FCA (2005–2021): Led localisation of the MultiJet diesel engine and Jeep Compass in India.

• Ashok Leyland: Served as Vice President of Sourcing and Supply Chain, supporting Switch Mobility’s EV initiatives.

Chikhle is recognised for his strong supplier engagement skills and localisation expertise. His focus will be on cost efficiency, unified procurement, and supporting Tata Motors’ electrification roadmap.

Strategic Importance of the Move

This leadership transition comes at a crucial time as Tata Motors focuses on strengthening its supply chain to support future growth. Key outcomes expected from this move include:

• Better Procurement Alignment: Streamlining PV and EV supply chains under one leadership.

• Enhanced Supply Chain Resilience: Ensuring stable operations amid rising EV demand.

• Cost Optimisation: Improving competitiveness and operational efficiency.

Also Read: Olectra Greentech Appoints Former Switch Mobility CEO Mahesh Babu as MD

CMV360 Says

Tata Motors decision to appoint Sudhir Chikhle highlights its commitment to future growth and EV transformation. This change is expected to streamline procurement operations, enhance supply chain stability, and ensure cost efficiency, helping the company stay ahead in India’s fast-growing passenger vehicle and electric mobility sector.