Former Panasonic India Chairman Manish Sharma Joins Escorts Kubota As President-Agri Business

Manish Sharma, the former Panasonic India Chairman & CEO, has joined farm- and construction-equipment major Escorts Kubota, according to a regulatory filing.

Sharma, a veteran consumer durables and manufacturing executive, has joined as President of Escorts Kubota's Agri Business, the company's largest business segment.

He will be responsible for the Tractor Business Division, Agri Solutions Business Division and Service and Spare Parts Business Division in domestic and international markets, Escorts Kubota said in a regulatory filing on Monday.

This move marks a new chapter for Sharma, who has over three decades of experience in the appliances and consumer electronics industry, including a 17-year long leadership role at Panasonic India.

His appointment comes at a time when Escorts Kubota is sharpening its focus on technology-led farm mechanisation, exports and premiumisation of its tractor portfolio amid increasing competition in the agricultural machinery sector.

Founded by the Nanda family, Faridabad, Haryana-based engineering conglomerate Escorts Kubota manufactures agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and industrial products.

Kubota Corporation, the Japan-based agricultural and construction equipment major owns a majority 53.5% stake following a series of investments.

Kubota is now the promoter and controlling shareholder of Escorts Kubota, while Nikhil Nanda remains Chairman and Managing Director.

Sharma's experience in product development, manufacturing, handling supply chains, brand building and business transformation is expected to help the company accelerate growth initiatives in both domestic and overseas markets.

He has been associated with industry bodies such as FICCI and policy forums in his previous stints and continues to serve as a senior adviser to Panasonic Energy.

Sharma's appointment signals the company's intent to bring in seasoned professional leadership as it pursues growth opportunities arising from rising farm mechanisation, improving rural productivity and increasing demand for technologically advanced agricultural equipment.

Escorts Kubota is among India's leading tractor and agricultural machinery manufacturers, marketing products under brands such as Farmtrac, Powertrac and Kubota.

It operates in over 40 countries and has been expanding its global footprint following Kubota Corporation's strategic investment and subsequent increase in shareholding.