In the driver’s seat: Pavan Shetty becomes Director of Porsche India

A gear has shifted in Pavan Shetty’s professional life. After heading operations for supercar brand Lamborghini in India, the 37-year-old has now moved on to be the Director of Porsche India with immediate effect. Having worked in the automotive sector for almost 11 years, at various companies such as Tata Motors, Ford and Lamborghini, he was with the Volkswagon group since 2012.

Shetty succeeds Anil Reddi as the director for Porsche, who resigned from his post after the company’s sluggish performance in India last year. Reddi put in his papers in July 2015 after a topsy-turvy ride, where the company had to shut dealerships in Chandigarh and Hyderabad. The erstwhile director was also part of a controversy when Yohan Poonawalla’s Porsche Cayenne caught fire.

The top job at Lamborghini is vacant for now, with the company not zeroing in on a candidate for the post yet. In a media note, Deesch Papke, CEO of Porsche Middle East and Africa, said, “Pavan is a seasoned professional… He will be a valuable asset for strengthening the brand and propelling it forward.” Tough curves ahead, definitely.