Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has appointed global mobility expert Michael Clarke to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer (COO), with the additional role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).

Based out of India, Mike will join Hero MotoCorp effective January 1, 2021 and report to Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman & CEO of Hero MotoCorp. Mike Clarke’s appointment comes close on the heels of the recent augmenting of the Leadership Team at Hero MotoCorp. As part of this process, Hero MotoCorp had earlier announced assigning the role of Head of Strategy to Malo Le Masson and expanded the role of Ravi Pisipaty as the Head of Plant Operations.

Sanjay Bhan has returned to the Company as the Head of Global Business (GB) to play a key role in the rapid expansion and consolidation of Hero in the international markets. Mahesh Kaikini, the Head of Gurugram plant, has been appointed as the Chief Quality Officer, while Ashutosh Varma has been elevated to the role of Head of National Sales.

Clarke is a business leader with more than 25 years’ global experience in publicly listed companies in the US and UK. He has worked extensively in building, leading and managing teams across geographies and functions and has worked in leadership roles in some of the world’s top companies, such as Fiat Group SPA and Delphi Technologies.

A mechanical engineer and an MBA from the John Moore’s University in Liverpool, UK, Clarke started his career with Delco Electronics Overseas Corporation (a subsidiary of General Motors) in Liverpool, before moving to Colgate Palmolive based out of Manchester.

Munjal said, “I am excited to have Mike join the Hero family at this crucial juncture in time of emerging opportunities and new challenges. Mike brings considerable global experience and expertise in managing complex operations, international restructuring, organisational and cultural change. His experience will be highly beneficial as we look to further consolidate our market leadership across continents."

Commenting on his appointment, Clarke said “It is an absolute privilege to be joining Dr. Munjal and his Leadership Team at Hero MotoCorp. We are in unprecedented times across the globe and it is clear that Hero MotoCorp is navigating successfully and maintaining its number one position in the industry.”

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