Rishab Bajaj Steps into Spotlight at Bajaj Auto's EV Launch in Pune
The next generation is making its mark at Bajaj Auto, India's fourth-largest two-wheeler manufacturer. Rishabnayan Bajaj, the 27-year-old son of managing director Rajiv Bajaj, played a key role in the company's recent electric vehicle launch event at its Akurdi facility in Pune.
This marked Rishab Bajaj's first time addressing the media since he joined Bajaj Auto as a management trainee in 2021. He now holds the position of general manager for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers at the company.
Continuing the Chetak Legacy
"My grandfather established Chetak decades ago, which built the foundation of this company," Rishab Bajaj stated during his public remarks. "It is something I have been working on since I became involved with this company. This is why I felt it was a good place to start. I would like to take the legacy of Chetak forward."
Rishab joined the company exactly half a century after his grandfather, Rahul Bajaj, launched the original Chetak scooter in 1972. His current appointment as divisional manager in the EV product strategy department runs from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028.
Bajaj's Electric Ambitions
The young executive spoke at the launch of Bajaj Auto's latest electric two-wheeler as the company continues its push for leadership in India's growing EV market. Currently, TVS Motor Company holds the top position in this segment.
During Wednesday's presentation, company officials highlighted impressive growth in Chetak electric two-wheeler sales. These have surged from approximately 4,000 units in 2021 to nearly 300,000 units in 2025.
Targeting Younger Buyers
Rishab Bajaj explained that part of the company's EV strategy involves catering specifically to younger consumers. He noted that 40% of Chetak EV buyers are under 35 years old.
"We wanted to target a particular group of customers from both cost and practicality perspectives," he said when questioned about the brand's positioning. "That is exactly what we have accomplished."
Following Family Footsteps
The young scion is walking a path similar to his father's journey. Rajiv Bajaj joined the company in 1990 at age 24 and rose to become managing director by 2005, making him one of the youngest senior leaders in India's two-wheeler industry.
During the late 1990s, Rajiv successfully shifted Bajaj Auto's focus from scooters to motorcycles, a strategic move that proved highly beneficial for the company.
Now, Bajaj and other traditional two-wheeler manufacturers face the new challenge of electric vehicle adoption. Legacy companies have performed reasonably well so far, with Bajaj and TVS emerging as India's largest sellers of electric two-wheelers in 2025.
Educational Background and Industry Context
Rishab Bajaj studied at St. Mary's School in Pune before attending the College of Engineering, Pune. He later completed a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Loughborough University in Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
His increasing prominence at Bajaj Auto comes just months after rival TVS Motor Company appointed Sudershan Venu, son of Venu Srinivasan, as chairman and managing director. Like Rishab, Sudershan joined his family business nearly a decade ago at age 22 and rose to whole-time director within two years.
Succession Questions Linger
Questions about leadership succession at Bajaj Auto have persisted since Rajiv Bajaj first hinted at a younger managing director during the company's 17th Annual General Meeting in 2024.
"Every time I address shareholders, I begin by saying 'my mind goes back 30 years,'" Rajiv Bajaj remarked at that meeting. "That tells me I have been here long enough. Just as Chetak Technologies and Bajaj Auto Credit have new managing directors, Bajaj Auto needs a new MD too—a younger MD because I have been here 34 years. I am 58 and not so young anymore. But don't worry, I am not going anywhere immediately."
When journalists asked Rishab Bajaj whether his responsibilities would expand in coming years, he offered a measured response: "Time will tell."
