New Delhi: The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), India’s apex skill development body for the automotive sector, today announced the appointment of Prasanna Pahade as its new Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned business transformation leader with over 25 years of experience across automotive, logistics, manufacturing and engineering, Pahade succeeds Arindam Lahiri, who has led the Council since 2019, steering its growth as a leading industry-led institution for automotive skilling and workforce development.
Pahade takes charge at a pivotal time for the automotive sector, as the industry accelerates its shift towards electric mobility, advanced manufacturing, automation and digital technologies, creating demand for a future-ready workforce.
An alumnus of the College of Engineering, Pune (1996) with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and a PGDM from IIM Calcutta, Pahade brings a powerful combination of consulting rigor and core execution expertise. His distinguished career spans prominent roles at Mahindra Logistics, Tata Strategic Management Group, Voltas Ltd and a successful entrepreneurial chapter as the co-founder of the startup ‘Making Champs’.
Welcoming the appointment, Vinkesh Gulati, Chairperson, ASDC, said, “Prasanna Pahade brings a strong combination of strategic vision, business leadership and operational excellence. His diverse industry experience will help ASDC strengthen its role in preparing a future-ready workforce and deepen collaboration with industry, academia and government as India’s mobility ecosystem continues to evolve.”
Prabhu Nagaraj, Vice Chairperson, ASDC, said, “The automotive industry is witnessing unprecedented technological change, and skilling will remain central to sustaining its growth. We are confident that Prasanna’s leadership will accelerate innovation, expand industry partnerships and further strengthen ASDC’s contribution to the Skill India Mission.”
Rama Shankar Pandey, Treasurer, ASDC, said, “Prasanna Pahade’s extensive industry experience and leadership will further strengthen ASDC’s efforts to build a skilled, future-ready automotive workforce. We look forward to expanding our impact through stronger industry collaboration and innovation in skilling.”
On assuming office, Prasanna Pahade, Chief Executive Officer, ASDC, said, “I am honoured to join ASDC at a time when India’s automotive industry is undergoing unprecedented transformation. My focus will be on strengthening industry-led skilling, fostering innovation, building stronger partnerships with industry and academia, and preparing a future-ready workforce that supports India’s ambition of becoming a global leader in mobility and automotive manufacturing.” ASDC continues to play a pivotal role in developing occupational standards, driving industry-led skilling initiatives, supporting training and certification, and enhancing employability across the automotive value chain. Under Pahade’s leadership, the Council is expected to further expand its contribution to the Skill India Mission by preparing talent for the next generation of mobility and advanced manufacturing.
