CXO Movements: All the Key Leadership Moves Across Industries

The business world continues to witness dynamic leadership transitions, with a wave of high-profile CXO appointments shaping the future direction of major companies across technology, automotive, retail, finance, and education sectors. From Apple and BMW to bigbasket and Coursera, these appointments are not only about filling roles—they reflect evolving business priorities, regional expansion strategies, and a renewed focus on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. With seasoned professionals stepping into critical leadership positions, these movements offer a glimpse into how global and Indian enterprises are aligning their operations for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Sabih Khan – Chief Operating Officer, Apple Inc.

Apple has appointed Indian-origin executive Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer, succeeding Jeff Williams. A 30-year veteran at the company, Khan has been instrumental in building and managing Apple’s global supply chain and manufacturing strategy. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Operations and will officially take over the COO role later this month. The leadership transition is part of Apple’s long-term succession planning, with Williams set to retire later this year. Khan’s elevation underscores Apple’s focus on operational excellence and global leadership continuity at a time of increased scrutiny around supply chain resilience and ESG commitments.

Hardeep Singh Brar – President and CEO, BMW Group India

BMW Group India has named Hardeep Singh Brar as its new President and CEO, effective September 1, 2025. Brar, a seasoned leader with over three decades in the Indian automotive space, succeeds Vikram Pawah, who moves on to lead BMW Group Australia and New Zealand. Prior to this role, Brar served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Kia India, where he played a pivotal role in driving market share and brand growth. His appointment signals BMW’s intent to deepen its India footprint and further align with the country’s fast-evolving premium mobility and electric vehicle landscape.

Manish Bajoria – Chief Financial Officer, Bigbasket

bigbasket, a TATA Enterprise, has appointed Manish Bajoria as its new Chief Financial Officer. Bajoria brings over 20 years of cross-sectoral experience in strategic finance, commercial management, and digital transformation. He will be responsible for strengthening bigbasket’s financial operations, investor relations, and long-term fiscal strategy as the company scales its footprint in India’s competitive e-grocery segment. His experience is expected to be key in navigating the next phase of growth, especially as bigbasket explores deeper market penetration, customer acquisition, and innovations in logistics and technology-driven retail. The move aligns with TATA Group’s larger play in digital consumer ecosystems.

Mrinalini Srinivasan – Chief Financial Officer, Castrol India

Castrol India has named Mrinalini Srinivasan as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective July 28, 2025. She takes over from Deepesh Baxi, who stepped down in March 2025. Srinivasan brings over 17 years of experience from Procter & Gamble India, where she held leadership roles across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Her expertise in strategic planning, compliance, and business forecasting is expected to strengthen Castrol’s financial governance and operational agility. With the lubricants industry facing shifts towards sustainability and innovation, her appointment reflects Castrol’s aim to stay ahead of regulatory expectations and evolving consumer and industrial demands.

Ashutosh Gupta – Managing Director, India & Asia Pacific, Coursera

Coursera has appointed Ashutosh Gupta as its Managing Director for India and Asia Pacific. A veteran of digital innovation and business scaling, Gupta joins from Avataar Ventures, where he advised SaaS startups across India and the Middle East. At Coursera, he will oversee enterprise partnerships and digital skilling initiatives with governments, universities, and corporations across the region. Gupta’s appointment comes at a time when demand for digital education and workforce reskilling is growing rapidly. His leadership is expected to further strengthen Coursera’s footprint in Asia’s edtech ecosystem and align with national-level digital transformation and employability goals.

Final Thoughts

These appointments represent more than individual career milestones—they are indicators of where industries are headed. From manufacturing at Apple and electric mobility at BMW to India’s digital and education revolutions, these CXOs bring both experience and a strategic vision for the future. As global and Indian companies seek resilience, agility, and innovation, leadership will play a decisive role in navigating uncertainty and capturing opportunity. This new class of leaders is poised to drive change, shape policy, and influence business at scale across borders, industries, and economies.