Pune: Rahul Kirloskar has been appointed as the new Chairperson of Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited (KOEL) as part of the company’s leadership succession plan, following the retirement of long-serving Chairman Atul Kirloskar. The transition will take effect from March 31, 2026, marking a new leadership chapter for the engineering and manufacturing company.
According to the company’s announcement, Rahul Kirloskar will assume the role of Chairperson of the Board after Atul Kirloskar retires upon reaching the age of 70. At the same time, Gauri Kirloskar, who currently serves as Managing Director, will take on the additional responsibility of Vice Chairperson while continuing in her existing role.
The appointment of Rahul Kirloskar forms part of the company’s structured succession planning process designed to ensure continuity in leadership and strategic direction.
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Atul Kirloskar’s Four-Decade Association with KOEL
Atul Kirloskar has been associated with Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited for over 43 years, holding both executive and non-executive positions. He joined the organization in 1983 and was appointed Executive Vice President of the erstwhile KOEL—now known as Kirloskar Industries Limited (KIL)—in November 1984.
In August 1985, Atul Kirloskar was co-opted onto the Board and took over as Managing Director. Over the following years, he held several leadership positions including Vice Chairman from 1988 until July 1998, after which he was elected Chairman and Managing Director of the Board of the erstwhile KOEL.
During his tenure, he also served on multiple committees of the Board in both executive and non-executive roles, contributing to the company’s governance and long-term strategic direction.
Leadership Role Following the Demerger
After the proposed demerger of the company structure in January 2009, Atul Kirloskar was appointed to the Board of Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited. The demerger was completed in March 2010.
Following the restructuring, he served as Managing Director from March 31, 2010 to January 25, 2012. Subsequently, he continued as Executive Director and Chairman from January 2012 until March 2023, after which he transitioned to the role of Non-Executive Director and Chairman.
The Board acknowledged his long-standing contributions and leadership during his tenure with the organization.
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Rahul Kirloskar to Lead Next Phase of Growth
As part of the succession plan, Rahul Kirloskar, who currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of the company, will take over as Chairperson of the Board. His appointment marks the beginning of the next phase of leadership for Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited.
With this transition, Rahul Kirloskar will work closely with Managing Director and Vice Chairperson Gauri Kirloskar and the management team to guide the company’s strategic priorities and growth initiatives.
Atul Kirloskar said: “It has been a true privilege to be part of KOEL’s journey over the years. We have been working on this transition for the last couple of years, as a planned succession. I believe that timely and planned succession is very important for the Company. It is also important that the new leadership gets the freedom to take the Company forward, in line with their vision and plans.
From this context, I have decided to step down completely from the Board and all positions in the Company. I wish Rahul and Gauri the very best, I am confident that we have the right team to take KOEL to new heights.”
Responding to his appointment, Rahul Kirloskar said: “I thank Atul for his service to the Company over the years. As I step into this role, I intend to take forward the great work that was done in the Company under Atul’s leadership and look forward to working with Gauri and the management team to take the Company towards its goals.”
