Kedar Apte elevated as VP marketing at Castrol India

Castrol India, the automotive and industrial lubricant manufacturing company, has announced the appointment of Kedar Apte as its new vice-president marketing, effective September 1, 2016.

Apte joined Castrol India in September 2011 as general manager for the motorcycle engine oils category. During the last five years, he has managed multiple product categories and his last position prior to his new role was as head - brand and communications.

Shyam Balasubramanian, regional marketing director, Castrol Asia and Pacific Region, says in a press release, "(Kedar) Apte has been responsible for successfully leading the launches of several pioneering brands like Castrol VECTON, Castrol CRB Mini-Truck, and Castrol GTX ECO. His other significant contribution includes building a strong presence for the brand in the digital space through innovative online campaigns."

In his new role as vice-president marketing, Apte will lead the marketing function which includes brand communication and content, sponsorships, digital marketing and consumer and customer engagement programmes. He will spearhead the on-going marketing strategy and continue to strengthen the Castrol brand through distinctive and exciting brand campaigns.

Commenting on the appointment, Omer Dormen, managing director, Castrol India, says in a press release, "I am delighted to welcome Apte as the new vice-president - marketing, for the India business. Apte is an experienced and dynamic leader and I am sure he will continue to strengthen the Castrol brand equity which has been built over the last 100 years in India. I look forward to his valuable contribution to the overall business as a member of the Castrol India Country Leadership Team."

Talking about his appointment, Apte says in a press release, "Castrol has been an integral part of the evolution of the lubricant industry in India and I am delighted to be part of the journey going forward. The brand is acknowledged for its innovative marketing approach and I hope to contribute towards the organisation as it moves towards an exciting future."

Prior to joining Castrol, Apte spent almost a decade with Hindustan Unilever in sales and marketing roles. Apte is a mechanical engineer with a Management degree in marketing from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.