Volkswagen India sales head quits to join GM

Arvind Saxena, former head of sales of Hyundai Motor India and recently the managing director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars has joined General Motors India as the new President and Managing Director.

Saxena who is slated to take charge on Saturday, will succeed Lowell Paddock, who is moving to GM International Operations (GMIO) as Vice President, Planning & Programme Management.

Saxena was also a member of the Board of Directors of Volkswagen Group Sales India.

Stefan Jacoby, GM Executive Vice President and President, GM International Operations, said, "We are delighted to have Arvind join our team and with his extensive experience, lead us in to a successful future in India, with its significant growth potential. GM is committed to India and with Arvind's leadership, we look forward to recognizing the long-term growth potential of the market".

Saxena has more than two decades of experience in sales, marketing and management with several Indian and global automakers. He began his career in 1983 as an Area Manager in the Motorcycles and Scooter Division of Escorts. He moved to Bajaj Auto in 1992, where he held the post of Regional Manager of North India.

Three years later, he joined Maruti Udyog as Regional Manager of Western India. After a year at Fiat India in 1999 as General Manager, he returned to Maruti as General Manager of Sales and later was promoted to Chief General Manager of Sales.

Arvind has a Bachelor of Engineering Degree from Motilal Nehru Regional Engineering College and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Lucknow University.