Renault Group India has announced two major leadership appointments, highlighting the country’s growing role as a global hub for automotive design and engineering. These strategic moves reinforce the company’s ambition to accelerate growth in India’s dynamic automotive market and establish it as a benchmark hub for international innovation.
Dr. Vikraman V – Chief of Renault Engineering, RNTBCI
Renault has appointed Dr. Vikraman V as Chief of Renault Engineering at the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI), Chennai. In his new role, Dr. Vikraman will focus on driving engineering excellence, innovation, and advanced R&D to support Renault Group’s global transformation.
He joins Renault from Mahindra & Mahindra, where he held senior leadership roles in the Vehicle Mechanical Division for nearly two decades, leading both EV and ICE platform development. Dr. Vikraman holds a Master’s and PhD in Automotive Engineering from IIT Madras, bringing deep expertise in vehicle engineering and product development.
Sandeep Bhambra – Head of Renault Design Centre India
To strengthen design-led innovation, Sandeep Bhambra has been appointed Head of Renault Design Centre India (RDCI), while continuing in his role as Chief Designer Advanced Renault. He will play a key role in shaping Renault’s future product portfolios by blending Renault’s global design DNA with forward-looking innovations tailored to Indian consumers.
Since 2021, Sandeep has led Advanced Design and Concept Cars for Renault in France, contributing to iconic projects such as the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, 4EVER Trophy, Scenic Vision, Estafette Concept, Renault Emblème, and Filante Record 2025. With prior experience at Peugeot and Tata Motors, his global career spanning India, UK, and France adds immense value to Renault’s design ambitions.
Leadership Insights
Commenting on the appointments, Stéphane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said:
“The appointments of Sandeep Bhambra and Dr. Vikraman V mark a transformative moment in Renault Group’s journey in India. With India emerging as a global epicentre for automotive innovation, their expertise will help position India not just as a contributor, but as a creator of Renault’s future—shaping vehicles that inspire, perform, and lead.”
Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer, Renault Group, added:
“Sandeep’s international experience, creative vision, and determination will ensure that Renault Design Centre India plays a pivotal role in our global design strategy—creating cars that resonate deeply with Indian customers while strengthening Renault’s global ambitions.”
Strategic Rebranding
As part of its enhanced role, the Renault Design Centre Chennai has been renamed as Renault Design Centre India, reflecting its strategic importance in Renault’s global design ecosystem.
