The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) has appointed Prasanna Pahade as its new Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a leadership change at a crucial juncture for India’s rapidly evolving automotive sector.
Pahade steps into the role as the industry undergoes a significant shift toward electric mobility, automation, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies, areas that are reshaping workforce requirements and accelerating the need for future-ready skills.
He succeeds Arindam Lahiri, who has led ASDC since 2019 and was instrumental in strengthening its position as a key industry-led body focused on automotive skilling and workforce development.
Bringing over 25 years of cross-industry experience spanning automotive, logistics, manufacturing, and engineering, Pahade is known for his expertise in business transformation and operational leadership. His career includes leadership roles at Mahindra Logistics, Tata Strategic Management Group, and Voltas Ltd, along with an entrepreneurial stint as co-founder of ‘Making Champs.’
Welcoming the appointment, ASDC Chairperson Vinkesh Gulati said Pahade’s strategic vision and operational depth will help strengthen collaboration between industry, academia, and government, while advancing workforce readiness.
Vice Chairperson Prabhu Nagaraj noted that rapid technological disruption in the automotive sector makes skilling more critical than ever, adding that Pahade’s leadership is expected to drive innovation and expand industry partnerships. Treasurer Rama Shankar Pandey also emphasized the Council’s continued focus on building a skilled, future-ready workforce.
On taking charge, Prasanna Pahade said his priority will be to strengthen industry-led skilling initiatives, foster innovation, and build deeper partnerships to support India’s ambition of becoming a global hub for mobility and automotive manufacturing.
ASDC continues to play a central role in setting occupational standards, 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 while preparing talent for next-generation mobility.
