Daimler Truck Innovation Center India (DTICI) has appointed Radhakrishnan Kodakkal as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 9, 2026. The appointment marks a key leadership transition at the Bengaluru-based centre, one of the largest development hubs of Daimler Truck AG outside Germany.
Kodakkal succeeds Raghavendra Vaidya, who has been appointed Global Chief Information Officer at Daimler Truck AG.
In his new role, Kodakkal will lead DTICI’s engineering and digital operations while working closely with Daimler Truck’s global product engineering, technology, and IT teams. His responsibilities include strengthening and expanding India’s role in areas such as engineering, software development, digital platforms, and IT operations—capabilities that have become increasingly strategic as the automotive industry undergoes rapid technological transformation.
Kodakkal brings more than three decades of experience in technology, engineering, and research and development across multinational organisations. Prior to joining DTICI, he served as Global Head of Integrated Technology and Vice President and Head of the Global Technology and Engineering Center at Whirlpool Corporation. In that position, he oversaw global technology strategy, R&D operations, and cross-regional innovation programmes. His work has also included leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives and developing connected and sustainable technology solutions.
Thomas Ulm, Chairman of DTICI, said Kodakkal’s experience positions him well to guide the centre through its next phase of growth.
“As DTICI continues to play a central role in Daimler Truck’s global engineering and IT network, we are confident that his leadership will further strengthen DTICI’s position as a trusted innovation and delivery hub,” Ulm said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing CEO Raghavendra Vaidya, noting that under Vaidya’s leadership DTICI evolved into a key component of Daimler Truck’s global operations. The two leaders are expected to continue working closely, given Vaidya’s new CIO responsibilities at the group level.
Commenting on his appointment, Kodakkal highlighted the transformative period currently underway in the automotive industry.
“The automotive industry is experiencing a period of significant transformation, and there’s no better time to be part of it than now,” he said.
He added that he aims to build on DTICI’s established strengths and collaborate with teams worldwide to develop technology solutions that are scalable, sustainable, and prepared for future mobility needs.
The leadership transition comes as DTICI continues to expand its role within Daimler Truck’s global ecosystem. The centre, established in December 2021 and headquartered in Bengaluru, has quickly become a major engineering and technology hub in India. It supports all Daimler Truck brands across global markets, with a strong focus on product engineering and information technology.
The appointment also reflects Daimler Truck’s broader strategy of deepening its investment in India as a key base for engineering capability, digital innovation, and IT delivery. As the global commercial vehicle industry shifts toward electrification, connectivity, and software-driven systems, centres like DTICI are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the company’s long-term product and technology roadmap.
