Renault Group India has announced two senior leadership appointments that reinforce India’s growing role as a global hub for design and engineering innovation.
Sandeep Bhambra has been appointed as Head of Renault Design Centre India (RDCI), while continuing his role as Chief Designer Advanced Renault. Reporting to Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer, Renault Group, Bhambra will lead future design strategies rooted in Renault’s DNA. Since 2021, he has spearheaded advanced design and concept cars in France, delivering iconic projects including the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, 4EVER Trophy, Scenic Vision, and Filante Record 2025. His career also spans key roles at Peugeot and Tata Motors.
Joining him is Dr. Vikraman V, who takes charge as Chief of Renault Engineering at Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI), Chennai. With nearly two decades at Mahindra & Mahindra and expertise across EV and ICE platforms, Dr. Vikraman—who holds a PhD from IIT Madras—will drive engineering excellence to support Renault’s global transformation and India’s expanding R&D ecosystem.
Stéphane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, described the appointments as “a transformative moment,” noting:
“India is rapidly emerging as a global epicentre for automotive innovation. Sandeep’s creative leadership will elevate our design identity, while Vikraman’s engineering depth will drive cutting-edge mobility solutions. Together, they will help position India not just as a contributor, but as a creator of Renault’s future.”
Reflecting its expanded mandate, the Renault Design Centre Chennai has been renamed Renault Design Centre India, underscoring the country’s central role in the brand’s global roadmap.
With these leadership moves, Renault reaffirms its commitment to design innovation, engineering excellence, and sustainable mobility solutions originating from India for the global market.
