Mercedes-Benz India has announced a couple of key organisational changes in its aftersales and marketing communications and CRM divisions.
Devdutta Chandavarkar, who is currently heading the Aftersales division, will take on a larger role at Mercedes-Benz Middle-East and will be based out of Dubai. Santosh Iyer, currently vice-president, Marketing & CRM, is promoted to head the Aftersales & Retail Training function of Mercedes-Benz in India and will continue to be part of the Board of Management.
Commenting on the changes, Roland Folger, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, “Mercedes-Benz prides itself in providing newer responsibilities and novel opportunities to its employees’ world over. This approach not only promotes internal talent by giving them new opportunities to prove their excellence, but also is highly beneficial for the overall growth of the company and inspirational for others.”
Devdutta Chandavarkar has been associated with Mercedes-Benz for over 17 years and has played a pivotal role in shaping the aftersales function at Mercedes-Benz India. He has also been instrumental in ensuring Mercedes-Benz topped the CSI scores in aftersales twice in a row in the J.D.Power CSI Study.
Santosh Iyer, according to the company’s communication, has been instrumental for Mercedes-Benz India’s success in reinforcing Mercedes-Benz’s brand image, through numerous innovative marketing campaigns.
In addition to the above appointments, the Marketing & CRM and the Corporate Communications function are now split, and will continue to report to the managing director and CEO. Amit Thete, who is currently heading the Event Communications division, will now handle the Marketing & CRM function. Shekhar Das Chowdhury will now be heading the Corporate Communications function of the brand.
These appointments are effective from January 1, 2016.