AJIT PISHARODY
Summary
Dynamic business leader with a proven track record at Saud Bahwan Automotive, excelling in sales strategy and customer engagement. Achieved a remarkable increase in market share and revitalized brand presence through study of market dynamics, customer preferences and innovative product positioning. Passionate about driving growth and enhancing customer satisfaction in competitive markets.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Head – Kia
Saud Bahwan Automotive (SBA) LLC
Muscat
06.2025 - 05.2026
- Directed sales, marketing, and customer experience strategies to enhance Kia brand presence in Oman.
- Increased market share from 3.5% in May 2025 to 3.7% by December 2025 despite fierce competition.
- Developed repositioning strategy that revitalized interest in Kia SUVs within A and B segments.
- Collaborated with OEM on product roadmap development to stimulate sluggish PC sales.
- Boosted EV sales through strategic initiatives, achieving four units sold to fleet customers since launch in 2024.
- Achieved outstanding NPS of 90 and CSI of 93 across all customer touchpoints until vehicle delivery.
- Executed recruitment processes for sales staff and department managers to strengthen manpower pipeline.
- Strengthened collaboration with OEM regional teams and production/logistics departments at the plant.
Business Head – Chery
Saud Bahwan Automotive (SBA) LLC
Muscat
04.2024 - 05.2025
- Spearheaded re-establishment of Chery brand in Oman following prior exit from market.
- Conducted comprehensive analysis on product offerings and market dynamics for effective positioning.
- Crafted pricing strategies and sales incentives aimed at attracting both retail and fleet customers.
- Rapidly expanded brand footprint by opening new showrooms in Mawelah, Sohar, and Salalah within 3-5 months.
- Negotiated advantageous terms with OEM for timely introduction of new models to capture growth segments.
- Facilitated significant bulk orders of new models, aligning with strategy to "increase vehicles on the road".
- Enhanced marketing efforts through integrated ATL, BTL, and digital campaigns while improving customer service protocols.
- Successfully sustained average monthly sales of 50-60 units within first year of launch.
Product Planning Head – Toyota & Lexus
Saud Bahwan Automotive (SBA) LLC
Muscat
06.2003 - 03.2024
- Accountable for life cycle management and planning of Toyota and Lexus products.
- Developed over 10 special edition versions to counteract declining models effectively.
- Executed innovative strategies that led to sales growth from 35,000 units in 2003 to exceeding 100,000 units by 2015, maintaining momentum during economic downturns.
- Facilitated collaboration with Toyota’s technical teams for focus groups, product testing for GCC homologation compliance etc.
- Negotiated pricing agreements with TMC based on competitor positioning and market analysis.
- Led accessory development team responsible for generating US $31 million annually through supplier development efforts & effective supply chain management.
- Managed customer complaints regarding product specifications and addressed legal inquiries promptly.
Senior Sales Executive
Castrol Industrial Ltd.
Baroda, Delhi, Bangalore
04.1998 - 05.2003
- Achieved profitable growth through strategic account management across key regions in India.
- Accelerated profits by 33% within six months by introducing high-value products tailored to customer needs.
- Strengthened relationships with major clients such as Ashok Leyland and TVS Motors through targeted initiatives.
- Expanded market share by 5% in textiles and chemicals industries through effective value selling strategies.
- Enhanced overall business profitability by 25% while reducing receivables from 120 days to 60 days.
- Developed comprehensive strategies for dealer management across West, North, and South India.
- Established strong partnerships with equipment manufacturers in assigned territories
- Focused on understanding customer manufacturing processes to drive product innovation and value delivery.
Education
MDP - Innovating For Growth
Indian Institute of Management
AhmedabadMBA - Marketing
Institute For Technology & Management
MumbaiB.E. - Mechanical
Walchand Institute of Technology
SolapurSkills
- Market analysis
- Pricing strategy
- Product positioning
- Sales strategy
- Customer engagement
- Brand management
- Business planning
- Team leadership
Special Work Assignments at SBA
- Worked on feasibility analysis and prepared & participated in early stage discussions with European & Chinese Auto OEM’s to expand brand portfolio within SBA
- Visits to high potential international markets to understand market dynamics and competitor offers to create suitable model mix for specific markets and enhance sales volumes
- Designated as MaaS (Mobility as a Service) Champion, and studied feasibility of adoption of MaaS technologies for Toyota vehicles in Oman necessitating close coordination with local Govt. agencies
- Lead CFT’s to Automechanica exhibitions in Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur & Dubai
Languages
- English
- Hindi
- Marathi
- Malayalam
Affiliations
- Regular Runner, Participated in Muscat Marathon
Timeline
Business Head – Kia
Saud Bahwan Automotive (SBA) LLC
06.2025 - 05.2026
Business Head – Chery
Saud Bahwan Automotive (SBA) LLC
04.2024 - 05.2025
Product Planning Head – Toyota & Lexus
Saud Bahwan Automotive (SBA) LLC
06.2003 - 03.2024
Senior Sales Executive
Castrol Industrial Ltd.
04.1998 - 05.2003
MDP - Innovating For Growth
Indian Institute of Management
MBA - Marketing
Institute For Technology & Management
B.E. - Mechanical
Walchand Institute of Technology