Mahindra Names Surender Kalra CFO as 2027 Electric Truck Launch Looms

SML Mahindra, a key player in Mahindra Group’s truck and bus portfolio, announced that Surender Kalra will take over as chief financial officer from 1 January 2027, following the board’s approval on 12 October. Kalra, a chartered accountant with more than three decades of experience, has been with the Swaraj division since 1996 and has served as vice‑president of finance since 2022.

Until the end of December, Manaswini Goel, currently CFO of Mahindra’s Aerospace, Advanced Technologies and Trucks & Buses businesses, will step in as interim CFO. Goel’s corporate finance background dates back to 2015 when she joined Mahindra, and she has handled treasury functions across the group.

Parallel to the CFO shift, Ashudeep Saddi has been named chief human‑resources officer, effective 19 October. Saddi brings almost 30 years of HR experience from Voltas, Vodafone, Samsung and other multinational firms, and his role will focus on aligning talent with the group’s expanding EV and digital initiatives.

For buyers and industry watchers, the appointments underscore Mahindra’s intent to strengthen its financial and human‑resource foundations as it prepares for a 2027 launch of its next‑generation electric truck. With Kalra at the helm of finance, the company is positioned to secure the capital and cost control needed for a competitive EV offering in a rapidly evolving market.

The electric truck is slated for a 2027 launch, with production expected to ramp up in 2028. Enthusiasts should keep an eye on the first‑hand test drives and the rollout strategy in major Indian cities, as Mahindra aims to capture a significant share of the commercial EV segment.