An official spokesman said the candidature of Mohan was recommended by the Search Committee headed by the Chief Secretary. Patil approved Mohan's ascendancy to the post on the advice of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.
Mohan, a visionary entrepreneur and educationist, showed his leadership in the development of India's Swaraj Tractor and successfully leading Punjab Tractors Ltd (PTL) for about three decades as CEO and making it a flagship company.