Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Personal Dossier
Timeline
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M Murugan

Chennai

Summary

With nearly three decades of experience in the automobile industry, I am a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of sales, marketing, and after-sales strategies. My career is distinguished by strong business acumen and a specialised techno-commercial skill set that enables me to navigate diverse markets effectively. Fluent in multiple regional languages, I have played a pivotal role in establishing a solid market presence. As the chief executive officer overseeing BMW dealership operations at KUN Group in Chennai, I led a seamless transition from innovative planning to tactical execution. My commitment to driving top-line revenue and profitability is unwavering, as evidenced by the successful implementation of concrete business plans. Skilled in networking, I excel in cultivating new client relationships and enhancing the value of existing ones to increase profitable sales consistently. Recognised for my ability to motivate and guide diverse teams towards shared objectives in a multicultural environment, my leadership style is marked by a focus on team building.

Results-driven professional prepared to lead and inspire teams towards achieving organizational goals. Extensive experience in developing and executing strategic initiatives that drive growth and operational excellence. Strong focus on team collaboration and goal achievement, adaptable to changing business needs. Skilled in strategic planning and financial management.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Executive Officer

BMW KUN Exclusive
Chennai | Bangalore
12.2023 - Current
  • Spearheading a dynamic team of over 500 professionals across Sales, After-Sales, and Administrative divisions for BMW Sales & Services in Tamil Nadu & Karnataka
  • Catalysed dealership business expansion and revenue growth
  • Championed people development and cultivated a professional business culture, transitioning from an investor-run model
  • Amplified BMW's market share in Tamil Nadu & Karnataka through strategic market penetration
  • Pioneered the establishment of a robust pre-owned car business, bolstering revenue streams and enhancing customer loyalty.
  • Implemented strong financial controls, ensuring accurate reporting and solid decision-making capabilities.
  • Enhanced sales performance through strategic planning initiatives, targeted training programs, and effective incentive structures for sales teams.
  • Streamlined operations for improved efficiency, reducing overall costs and increasing profitability.
  • Developed and executed comprehensive marketing campaigns, driving significant growth in customer base.
  • Cultivated a forward-thinking, inclusive, and performance-oriented business culture to lead the industry in innovation and push progress.
  • Reviewed individual department performance and worked with leadership to improve processes, procedures, and practices.
  • Identified new revenue generation opportunities to maximise bottom-line profitability.
  • Coached and guided senior managers to improve employee job satisfaction and achieve higher performance levels.
  • Since - Dec 23

Chief Executive Officer

VST Group
02.2018 - 11.2023
  • Spearheading a dynamic team of 400+ professionals across sales, after-sales, and administration, driving success for luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, KIA, and Porsche
  • Masterminded business operations for Mercedes-Benz in Chennai and steered KIA and Porsche operations for VST Group across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
  • Executed strategic sales forecasting, set aggressive annual quotas, and leveraged retail promotions to secure VST Titanium's market dominance and service excellence
  • Achieving Sales Partner of the Year 2019
  • Championed a significant 9% regional market share growth and maintained a dominant 60% market share for four years
  • Amplified VST Mercedes-Benz's market footprint by capitalising on strategic sales analysis and delivering unparalleled customer service, bolstering customer loyalty
  • Established and pursued ambitious sales targets, accurately forecasted sales, and gauged sales volumes for new and existing products to fuel revenue surge
  • Monitored retail promotions vigilantly to preserve market share and ensure a competitive edge
  • Prioritized exceptional service delivery and customer experience to achieve outstanding customer satisfaction rates
  • Sustained VST Titanium's leadership in sales and customer service excellence
  • Attained an industry-leading 81% retention in customer service
  • Set a regional and national benchmark with Chennai's highest high-end sales of Mercedes-Benz cars (TEV)
  • Managed a 50% service load increase with only 35% bay capacity, maximising resource efficiency.
  • Enhanced sales performance through strategic planning initiatives, targeted training programs, and effective incentive structures for sales teams.
  • Developed and executed comprehensive marketing campaigns, driving significant growth in customer base.
  • Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision-making.
  • Represented the organisation at industry conferences and events.
  • Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
  • VP Operations- VST KIA / VST Porsche (Tamil Nadu & Karnataka)

Chief Executive Officer

Joshi AutoZone Pvt Ltd
12.2015 - 01.2018
  • Company Overview: Dealer for Mercedes-Benz in Chandigarh & Punjab
  • Led a high-performing team 200, driving operational efficiency across Sales, After-Sales, and Administration.
  • Surpassed Mercedes-Benz's exacting standards for quality and sales, achieving top-tier performance metrics.
  • Transformed HR policies to boost employee engagement and retention, positioning the dealership as a top employer.
  • Managed end-to-end sales and after-sales processes, delivering consistent operational excellence.
  • Implemented specialised training initiatives with Mercedes-Benz, enhancing team expertise and service quality.
  • Forged strategic collaboration with Mercedes-Benz India, significantly increasing monthly sales and marketing results.
  • Introduced luxury market best practices to refine and elevate marketing strategies.
  • Developed and implemented innovative marketing campaigns utilising Print, Digital, Events, and Direct Engagement channels.
  • Established valuable partnerships with financial institutions to provide premium financing options.
  • Maintained fiscal responsibility, aligning expenses with revenue to ensure long-term profitability.
  • Launched an internal suggestion system to improve stakeholders' productivity, cost-effectiveness, and customer and employee satisfaction.
  • Identified new revenue generation opportunities to maximize bottom-line profitability.
  • Streamlined operations for improved efficiency, reducing overall costs and increasing profitability.
  • Drove continuous improvement by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and open communication across all levels of the organization.
  • Cultivated a positive company culture, promoting employee engagement and retention through tailored initiatives.
  • Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
  • Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.

Head – Pre-owned Cars / Accessories and Merchandise

Mercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd
04.2011 - 11.2015
  • Pioneered the Pre-owned Car Division across Mercedes-Benz India's dealership network.
  • Performed in-depth market analysis for the Pre-owned car sector on domestic and international fronts.
  • Set benchmarks against leading Pre-owned car operations, warranties, and product offerings.
  • Successfully launched the "Mercedes-Benz Certified" Pre-owned car brand in India.
  • Crafted and implemented the Pre-owned Cars Sales Policy.
  • Designed and facilitated specialised training programs for dealership staff.
  • Achieved a significant milestone with the swift initiation of "Retail Consultancy" for Pre-owned car business operations.
  • Boosted New Car Sales by leveraging the Trade-in Channel.
  • Partnered with Financial Institutions to create tailored Wholesale and Retail finance schemes for Pre-owned cars.
  • Devised and executed marketing campaigns for "Mercedes-Benz Certified" Pre-owned cars.
  • Led the promotion of Mercedes-Benz Accessories and Merchandise throughout the dealer network.
  • Revolutionized accessory display strategies to enhance customer interaction.
  • Optimized the sales process through the introduction of curated Accessories packages.

Regional Head – Pre-Owned Car Sales

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd
02.2003 - 03.2011
  • I drove the expansion of exchange business and pre-owned car sales in Mumbai & Goa. I managed a dynamic team of 6 Maruti Suzuki field engineers, leveraging a network of 450 dealers.
  • Mastered the harmonisation of used car sales operations across Mumbai & Goa, enhancing dealer performance.
  • Implemented innovative systems and processes, resulting in an impressive 21% growth in the exchange business—leading the West Zone.
  • Set a regional benchmark with a 20% surge in exchange sales, pioneering success in the West Zone.
  • Attained an unparalleled 98% territory coverage rate in the West Zone.
  • Catalysed a 24% increase in finance penetration across the territory, significantly elevating sales.
  • Guided the region to the forefront of quality standards, with 65% of dealers achieving ISO Certification.
  • Regional Head - Pre-Owned Car Sales: Mumbai & Goa Nov '08 to Mar '11
  • Regional Head - Pre-Owned Car Sales: Kerala Nov '05 to Oct '08
  • Deputy Manager - Pre-Owned Car Sales: Central Tamil Nadu & North Kerala Feb '03 to Oct '05

Manager- Service & Spares

Harpreet Ford
01.2001 - 01.2003
  • Managing the Complete dealer Service and Spare operation of the Ford Dealership

Manager Service

Kairali Ford
01.1999 - 12.2000
  • Managing the Complete dealer Service operation of Bajaj Tempo and Daewoo Dealerships

Manager- Service & Spares

Mithra Agencies
09.1996 - 12.1998
  • Managing the Complete dealer Service and Spares operation of Eicher Commercial Vehicles and Maruti Suzuki Car Dealership

Technical Asst.

Sundaram Motors
06.1994 - 08.1996
  • Joined as Trainee
  • Technical Assistant – Fiat Shop Floor

Education

DME -

Ramakrishna Mission Technical Institute
Chennai
01.1994

Executive Business Management -

Indo-German Training Centre (IGTC)
Pune
12.2015

Skills

  • Organizational leadership
  • Executive leadership
  • Risk management
  • Staff management
  • Operational leadership
  • Organizational growth
  • Data-driven decision making

Personal Dossier

English
Tamil
Hindi
Malayalam
Telugu

Timeline

Chief Executive Officer

BMW KUN Exclusive
12.2023 - Current

Chief Executive Officer

VST Group
02.2018 - 11.2023

Chief Executive Officer

Joshi AutoZone Pvt Ltd
12.2015 - 01.2018

Head – Pre-owned Cars / Accessories and Merchandise

Mercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd
04.2011 - 11.2015

Regional Head – Pre-Owned Car Sales

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd
02.2003 - 03.2011

Manager- Service & Spares

Harpreet Ford
01.2001 - 01.2003

Manager Service

Kairali Ford
01.1999 - 12.2000

Manager- Service & Spares

Mithra Agencies
09.1996 - 12.1998

Technical Asst.

Sundaram Motors
06.1994 - 08.1996

DME -

Ramakrishna Mission Technical Institute

Executive Business Management -

Indo-German Training Centre (IGTC)
M Murugan