Castrol India has named Saugata Basuray as its interim Chief Executive Officer, following the exit of Kedar Lele, who stepped down after serving as Managing Director from October 2024 to December 2025. The company has not yet announced a permanent successor for the top role.
Basuray, who was a member of Castrol India’s management committee, will oversee the company’s operations during the interim period. His appointment ensures continuity as the lubricant major navigates the leadership transition.
In a LinkedIn post announcing his departure, Lele described his 15-month tenure at Castrol India as “short in time but deep in impact.” He highlighted the organisation’s openness to new perspectives and its strong culture of valuing experience, noting that Castrol’s environment enabled him to transition effectively across sectors.
“Together, we achieved a lot—but what I will carry forward is not just the outcomes, but the way we got there: with focus, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to customers, partners, and each other,” Lele wrote. He also expressed gratitude to Castrol India’s board, global leadership team and colleagues in India for their support, adding that he was stepping away with “gratitude—and confidence in what lies ahead.”
Castrol India has not disclosed a timeline for the appointment of a permanent chief executive.
