08th July 2021, Pune: ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India has announced the appointment of Sarma Chillara as the Group Head of Human Resources & Administration.
In his new position, Sarma will be responsible for Human Resource strategy and execution, internal stakeholder management and talent management and will lead HR strategies for the Group within the framework of the India 2.0 project. Sarma will report to Mr. Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director, ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India said, “I am delighted to have found a worthy successor for Jan Frydrych in Sarma Chillara. Sarma has an exceptional track record, a deep understanding of evolving HR trends and demonstrates an infectious passion and energy, that will continue to shape the culture and talent of the company. I would like to thank Jan Frydrych for his contribution in leading the Indian operations through a complex merger and embarking on a transformative digital journey for the HR function.”
Jan Frydrych completes a successful tenure at SAVWIPL as takes over a new role at ŠKODA Headquarters as Head of Operative HR care, digitization and HR 4.0.
Sarma Chillara said, “Passionate and engaged employees are at the heart of any successful corporate strategy. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and the larger family of employees to co-create an agile and productive work environment to steer the organization through the transformative process we have embarked on.”
Sarma brings over 15 years of experience working across various roles within the HR domain. He joined Volkswagen Group in 2001 and has been associated with the Group for over 9 years in various leadership roles. He was previously associated with Citi, where he headed the HR department’s analytics unit, before moving to BCG. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and an MBA in Human Resources from Welingkar Institute of Management.
Sarma takes over the HR mandate at SAVWIPL at a very exciting phase for the Group in India. The company is in the midst of a digital transformative journey, as part of its new Corporate Strategy 2030, with a specific focus on enhanced employee experiences, diversity and inclusion and education and upskilling to make the organization future ready.
ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited:
Headquartered in Pune, ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) is the new company that represents the passenger vehicle brands of Volkswagen Group in India
SAVWIPL has been formed following the merger of Volkswagen India Private Limited (VWIPL), ŠKODA AUTO India Private Limited (SAIPL), and Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Limited (NSC).
The combined entity oversees the Indian operations of five brands – ŠKODA AUTO, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini.
SAVWIPL operates two manufacturing facilities – at Chakan, Pune and Shendra, Aurangabad
SAVWIPL is committed to India and will continue to serve Indian customers with an array of desirable, high-quality automobiles that reflect the needs of the Indian customer and their aspirations
SAVWIPL’s division, ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab India is one of the 4 agile business innovation hubs for ŠKODA AUTO globally joining those based in Prague, Tel Aviv and Beijing. The division functions as a start-up collaborator in the IT industry, allowing ŠAVWIPL to sustainably strengthen its expertise in both innovation and digital development.