Ola Electric Mobility Ltd., India’s leading electric two-wheeler manufacturer, announced significant leadership changes on Friday. Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Anshul Khandelwal and Chief Technology and Product Officer (CTO) Suvonil Chatterjee have stepped down, citing personal reasons. The high-profile exits come at a time when the company is expanding its operations and grappling with a sales slowdown.
CMO Anshul Khandelwal Steps Down
Anshul Khandelwal, a pivotal figure in Ola’s marketing efforts, has been associated with the company since 2018. His journey began with roles in Foodpanda and Ola Foods, eventually leading to his appointment as the Head of Global Marketing at Ola Electric. Khandelwal’s departure marks the end of a five-year tenure that contributed significantly to the brand’s growth and visibility in the electric vehicle (EV) space.
CTO Suvonil Chatterjee’s Resignation
Suvonil Chatterjee, regarded as one of Ola’s most influential leaders after founder Bhavish Aggarwal, has also decided to part ways with the company. Chatterjee joined Ola in 2017 as Head of Design and climbed the ranks to hold dual roles as Chief Technology and Product Officer by 2022. His exit underscores a pattern of leadership churn at the company, which has seen several top-level executives leave in recent years.
A History of Leadership Departures
The latest resignations highlight an ongoing trend of senior-level exits at Ola Electric. This began with the departure of co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Ankit Bhati in 2019 and has continued with numerous other high-profile exits.
In recent months, over 500 employees earning more than ₹50 lakh annually have reportedly left the company. Several key roles remain vacant, including Chief People Officer, company secretary, and heads of product strategy and service. Entire teams involved in engineering program management, product planning, and customer quality assurance have been disbanded, raising concerns about organizational stability.
Operational Challenges and Market Impact
Despite its aggressive expansion strategy, Ola Electric faces significant challenges. Sales have declined, and the company has been criticized for after-sales service delays and employee management issues. These challenges have affected its market performance, with shares falling 3.68% to ₹90.09 on the BSE on Friday, while the benchmark Sensex rose by 0.3%.
Future Outlook
The departure of Khandelwal and Chatterjee presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Ola Electric. As the company seeks to strengthen its leadership team and address internal challenges, its focus must remain on operational efficiency, product innovation, and employee satisfaction.
The company’s ability to navigate this turbulent period will determine its trajectory in the rapidly evolving EV market. Strengthening internal structures and regaining investor confidence will be critical for sustaining growth and maintaining its leadership in India’s EV sector.
The Road Ahead for Ola Electric and Bhavish Aggarwal
The departure of key executives like Anshul Khandelwal and Suvonil Chatterjee places a spotlight on Ola Electric’s future strategy and leadership under Bhavish Aggarwal. As the founder and CEO, Aggarwal faces the dual challenge of stabilizing the organization internally while maintaining its competitive edge in the fast-evolving EV market.
Industry analysts suggest that Aggarwal will need to focus on strengthening Ola’s leadership bench, fostering a culture of innovation, and addressing persistent issues such as after-sales service and employee attrition. With ambitious plans for product expansion, including entry into the four-wheeler EV segment, Aggarwal’s vision and execution will be pivotal in steering the company toward sustainable growth and global competitiveness.