Naveen Gupta received kudos for helping Valvoline grow its sales in India. Now hes being asked to replicate the success in areas such as China, Brazil, Russia and Africa.
Valvolines parent company, Ashland Inc., announced last week the appointment of Gupta to a new position, director of global heavy duty, OEM and emerging markets for Valvoline International. As such, he will be responsible for both heavy duty business and sales to original equipment manufacturers worldwide.
Since it started operating in 1998, Gupta has steered Valvoline Cummins Ltd., a 50-50 lubricants joint venture in India with diesel engine manufacturer Cummins. According to an article to be published in this months issue of LubesnGreases magazine, the joint venture has enjoyed average annual sales growth of 24 percent and now claims 3 percent of Indias lube market, with annual sales of Rs. 241 crore (US $55 million).
In announcing his appointment, Valvoline indicated that it plans to try similar strategies to build sales in other markets.
He has proven his ability to quickly build successful businesses in less-mature markets, Valvoline International Senior Vice President and Managing Director Craig Moughler said. Well use that ability to help us penetrate these markets.
Gupta will retain his post as managing director of Valvoline Cummins, but will relocate from New Delhi to Valvolines headquarters in Lexington, Ky.