CHENNAI, June 30, 2025: After steering Switch Mobility India to its first EBITDA-positive year and positioning it as a serious player in India’s electric commercial vehicle space, CEO Mahesh Babu will step down on August 31, 2025.
He leaves behind not only a successful EV startup but also significant shoes for his successor, Ganesh Mani, who must now navigate the more challenging part of the journey: delivering scale, profitability, and consistency in a market that moves quickly and is unforgiving.
One of the first proponents of electric mobility in India, Babu joined Switch in 2021 and contributed to the company’s founding. Switch expanded its dealer and service network, introduced a full line of electric buses and light commercial vehicles that were suited to Indian conditions, and adopted a digital-first, zero-emissions strategy throughout its operations under his direction. His efforts paid off, as Switch achieved a significant milestone in FY25: EBITDA breakeven, which is uncommon for EV startups and indicates that the company is prepared for the next stage.
“Mahesh’s leadership has been instrumental in making Switch a serious force in the EV space,” said Dheeraj G Hinduja, Chairman of Switch Mobility. “He leaves behind a strong team and a clear roadmap for growth.”
Ganesh Mani, who becomes CEO on September 1, now has that roadmap. With more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, supply chain management, and operational transformation, Mani is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Ashok Leyland, the parent company of Switch. His tenures at Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India are notable for their productivity gains, deep localisation, and plant modernization—all of which will be put to the test as he leads a business that transitions from product development to large-scale execution.
Mani has already contributed to cost reduction and supply chain streamlining at Ashok Leyland; now, this operational focus is crucial to Switch’s next move. Mani’s immediate task is clear: meet aggressive delivery timelines without margin slippage, given that over 1,500 electric buses are on order and that the company has set an ambitious goal to double revenues in FY26.
Switch, however, is not your typical automaker. It faces a distinct set of difficulties as a pure-play EV manufacturer in a developing market, including risks associated with battery procurement, inconsistent charging infrastructure, changing regulatory frameworks, and the high uptime demands of public transportation users.
Whereas Babu contributed product depth and ecosystem vision, Mani will have to institutionalise resilience through robust backend integration with Ashok Leyland’s manufacturing infrastructure, dependable supply chains, and production systems that are ready for scale. In an increasingly competitive market, he must also ensure that Switch’s cost structures are competitive and gain access to government incentives.
As the competition heats up, the pressure is increasing. As state-run transport projects become more stringent in their procurement requirements, Tata Motors, EKA Mobility, and PMI Electro are rapidly growing their footprints. Switch may have the credibility of being the first, but maintaining its lead will take speed and operational rigour rather than just ambition.
According to industry observers, the change in leadership occurs at a turning point. Switch has a distinct product line, increasing orders, and a well-known brand. It then requires execution muscle, which Mani is renowned for. However, his ability to adapt conventional manufacturing knowledge to the fast-paced, high-risk world of electric vehicles will determine his level of success.
In addition to taking over the CEO’s position, Mani is also tasked with demonstrating that Switch Mobility can grow profitably, steadily, and competitively in one of the most intricate and crucial transportation markets in India.
Switch is shifting gears from being a trailblazer to emerging as a performer – Ganesh Mani, the man in the new hot seat, is the centre of attention.
