MAM
Ford India MD Anurag Mehrotra to step down by month-end
Mumbai: American auto major Ford has announced a change at the helm of affairs in India, weeks after declaring the stoppage of local manufacturing in the country. The company informed that Ford India president and managing director Anurag Mehrotra has put in his papers and will step down from his post by the end of September.
Balasundaram Radhakrishnan (Bala), currently Ford India Pvt Ltd (FIPL) director – manufacturing, will take charge as transformation officer, stated the company.
Bala has more than three decades of automotive experience and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Ford Production System. Under his leadership, the company’s Chennai plant witnessed 40 engine and 10 vehicle launches.
“Bala will oversee and drive the transformation efforts associated with the restructuring,” said the FIPL spokesperson, adding that the company was committed to supporting customers and partners in India.
After almost three decades of its operations in the Indian market, Ford Motor Company on 9 September announced shutting down passenger vehicle manufacturing operations at its two plants in the country. Moving forward, Ford India will focus on the sale of imported vehicles only.
Brands
ABD Maestro bags Distiller of the Year at Icons of Whisky India 2026
ARTHAUS campaign win adds sparkle as firm marks first anniversary
MUMBAI: ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd., the super-premium and luxury spirits arm of Allied Blenders & Distillers, has been named Distiller of the Year at the Icons of Whisky India Awards 2026, capping off a milestone first year for the company.
The recognition comes as ABD Maestro completes one year of operations, having built a portfolio of ten brands across categories and expressions, in line with rising consumer appetite for premium, globally benchmarked spirits.
Held in Gurugram, the 15th edition of the Icons of Whisky Awards honoured excellence in innovation, craftsmanship and leadership across the whisky industry. ABD Maestro emerged as the only Indian company to win the title alongside six international players, underscoring its growing global standing.
Adding to the wins, ARTHAUS Blended Malt Scotch Whisky was awarded ‘Campaign Innovator of the Year’, highlighting its differentiated positioning and engagement strategy in India’s competitive premium Scotch segment.
ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd. managing director Bikram Basu said, “India’s super premium whisky landscape is evolving fast with consumers showing a clear preference for globally benchmarked expressions. Being named ‘Distiller of the Year’ in our first year, and as the only Indian company recognised alongside international players, is a defining milestone.”
He added that the recognition reflects the strength of the company’s portfolio and its commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and quality.
The twin honours mark a strong start for ABD Maestro, reinforcing its ambition to shape India’s luxury spirits landscape while strengthening the country’s presence on the global whisky stage.
