After eleven years of dedicated service, Sudhir Malhotra has stepped down from his role as Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Renault India, citing personal reasons. Francisco Hidalgo, a seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience at Renault Group, will assume the position in early 2025.
Malhotra’s tenure saw him rise through various roles, from leading after-sales and customer care to heading sales and network development, ultimately becoming the VP of Sales & Marketing. His leadership played a crucial role in shaping Renault India’s commercial strategy.
In an internal note, Renault India’s Managing Director, Venkatram Mamillapalle, expressed confidence in Hidalgo’s ability to steer the company toward greater success. “Sudhir and Francisco will ensure a smooth transition, and you will have the opportunity to meet them in the coming months,” he stated.
Hidalgo joined Renault Group in Paris in 2003 and has since held several international roles across key markets, including France, South Korea, Italy, Poland, Russia, and Spain. His extensive experience spans planning, forecasting, communication, marketing, sales, and operational leadership. His multi-cultural expertise is expected to be valuable as Renault India gears up for a new product lineup, including B- and C-segment SUVs and A-segment electric vehicles.
Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and empathetic leadership, Hidalgo is fluent in French, English, and Spanish. His diverse global experience will be critical in navigating the challenges Renault India faces, particularly as the company seeks to revive its volumes and reclaim market share in the highly competitive Indian automotive sector.
