Rajesh Jejurikar is a seasoned business leader serving as the Executive Director and CEO of the Auto and Farm Sectors at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. since 2020. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Rajesh has been at the forefront of transforming Mahindra’s automotive and farm equipment businesses, contributing significantly to the company’s global presence. He is also a Director on the Board of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and holds key positions on the boards of multiple Mahindra Group companies, both in India and overseas.

Early Life and Education

Rajesh Jejurikar’s journey to becoming a leader in the automotive and farm equipment sectors began with a strong academic foundation. He holds an MBA from the prestigious S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research. To further refine his leadership and strategic acumen, Rajesh pursued the Advanced Management Program at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, he was awarded the British Chevening Scholarship to study at the Manchester Business School in the UK, providing him with a global perspective on business leadership.

Career Journey: From Marketing to Leadership

• 2005: Became Managing Director of Mahindra Renault, where he led the development and launch of the Mahindra Logan in India, marking a significant milestone in Mahindra’s automotive expansion.
• 1986: Rajesh Jejurikar began his career at Voltas, followed by roles at FCB Ulka and Marico Ltd., gaining experience across various industries.
• 2000: Joined Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. as Vice President – Marketing for the Automotive Sector, where he played a key role in launching the Mahindra Scorpio, a landmark product for the company.
• 2003: Promoted to Executive Vice President – Sales & Marketing for Mahindra’s Automotive Sector, helping enhance the brand’s visibility and market share.

Leadership in Automotive & Farm Sectors

Rajesh’s rise through Mahindra’s ranks continued as he became Chief of Operations for the Automotive Sector in 2008. In 2010, Mahindra & Mahindra restructured its operations, combining the automotive and farm equipment sectors into a unified division. Rajesh was appointed Chief Executive of the Automotive Division and became a Member of the Group Executive Board. Under his leadership, Mahindra launched several successful products, including the Mahindra XUV500, which received widespread acclaim for its design and performance.

In 2015, Rajesh was appointed President of the Farm Equipment Sector, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing Mahindra’s position as the world’s largest manufacturer of tractors by volume. His vision for the farm equipment division helped solidify Mahindra’s global leadership in the agricultural machinery market. During his tenure, he worked on advancing Mahindra’s farm mechanization solutions, making them more accessible to farmers globally.

Strategic Leadership in Business Transformation

• His involvement in policy-making and industry advocacy has strengthened his position as a leading figure in both India’s automotive and agricultural sectors.
• Rajesh Jejurikar has played a key role in overseeing Mahindra’s strategic initiatives, driving transformation across multiple business verticals.
• He was instrumental in Mahindra’s focus on electric vehicles (EVs), contributing to the company’s ambitious roadmap to become a future-ready, sustainable mobility provider.
• His leadership was pivotal in Mahindra’s successful turnaround in the automotive sector, enabling the company to reclaim market leadership in revenue.
• Beyond Mahindra, Rajesh has been an active member of the Tractor Manufacturers Association (TMA) and represented the association on the National Council of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Awards and Recognitions

Rajesh Jejurikar’s exceptional leadership and contributions have been recognized globally. In 2023, he was awarded the prestigious ‘Autocar Person of the Year’ award, which celebrates individuals who have significantly contributed to their respective industries. Rajesh was recognized for leading Mahindra’s automotive business to a successful turnaround, driving revenue growth, and spearheading the company’s electric vehicle initiatives.

In 2020-21, Rajesh was honored with the ‘Global Indian of the Year’ title by AsiaOne Magazine, a recognition that celebrates Indian leaders making an impact on the global stage. His ability to steer Mahindra’s business into a new era of growth and sustainability has made him a highly respected figure in the automotive and farm sectors.

Contributions to Industry Development

Rajesh has also played an important role in shaping the future of the Indian and global agricultural machinery sectors. He served on the Governing Council of S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, where he actively contributed to the development of future business leaders. His leadership in CII’s National Council on Agriculture and his role as President of the Tractor Manufacturers Association (TMA) have been vital in advocating for policies that benefit the industry and support agricultural growth.

Conclusion

Rajesh Jejurikar is a remarkable business leader who has dedicated his career to driving innovation, growth, and sustainability in the automotive and farm equipment sectors. His strategic vision and ability to lead change have made Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. a global leader in both industries. As Mahindra continues to expand its footprint in electric mobility and agricultural solutions, Rajesh’s leadership will undoubtedly continue to guide the company toward even greater success.