Satyakam Arya

MD & CEO
Daimler India

Global Business Executive with diverse experience as CEO and functional head in large multinational automotive companies

Clear focus on sustainable business transformation with proven track record for successful execution, passionate and strong leadership in normal as well as crisis situations

Satyakam Arya is the Managing Director & CEO of Daimler Truck operations in India since end of 2018. Under his stewardship, DICV continues to grow as a strong, progressive and transformational player in the domestic market with the made-for-India CV brand
‘BharatBenz’. In his career with Daimler, Satyakam has aggressively expanded export operations of other Daimler Truck brands including Mercedes-Benz, FUSO and Freightliner in over 60 markets worldwide.

Prior to this role, Satyakam worked in Tokyo, Japan as Chairman of the Board for PABCO Ltd, a subsidiary of Commercial Vehicle manufacturer Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC). During the same period, Satyakam headed Customer Services & Procurement for Daimler Trucks Asia, the umbrella organisation under which DICV and MFTBC operate as independent legal entities.

With over 25 years of experience across the automotive value chain in various OEMs, Satyakam believes in leading with a long-term vision to achieve profitability and scale with complete integrity and empower his team to create solutions to achieve sustainable results. His core competencies include Strategic Sourcing, Project Management, Partner Management, Leadership development and Business transformation.

He holds a Bachelors of Engineering in Mechanical Studies and has completed the Senior Management Program for Executives (Strategy and Operations) at IIM Kolkata in 2010. He is the currently the Chairman of CII Tamil Nadu State Council and a member of CII Southern Region council. He is currently serving as the Treasurer of SIAM, is a member of SIAM Executive Council, member of SIAM CV CEOs Council and the Manufacturing Group Chairperson of SIAM’s Manufacturing Industry 4.0 & EODB.

Satyakam Arya was recognised as the “CV Man of the Year 2020” at the Apollo CV awards ceremony for his thought leadership in the Indian CV Industry. He was also conferred “CEO of the Year 2022” by The Machinist, part of Worldwide Media, Bennette Coleman – The Times Group

The Next Gen: DISRUPTION

Economic Disruption: We live in an era of disruption in which powerful global forces are changing how we live and work. Powerful disruptions are changing our world. The gig economy, remote work, and the sharing economy have disrupted traditional employment models. The new generation is often at the forefront of these economic changes, seeking flexibility and independence in their careers.

Technological Disruption: The new generation is witnessing rapid technological advancements and digital transformation. They are at the forefront of embracing and driving these changes, leading to disruptions in various industries. Examples include the rise of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the gig economy. Frontier technologies such as the Internet of Things, smart robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence are boosting productivity growth, raising prosperity, and replacing mundane or dangerous tasks. They have the potential to do good across a wide range of domains, from healthcare to education

Cultural Disruption: Social movements and changing cultural norms are disrupting traditional societal structures. The new generation is actively involved in advocating for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice, challenging the status quo and pushing for more inclusive societies. The connection between resilience, equity and inclusion is widely accepted by policymakers: evidence has shown that creating more equitable and inclusive societies is a crucial part of any economic strategy focused on resilience and recovery.

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The Next Gen: DEVELOPMENT

Skill Development: The new generation places a strong emphasis on personal growth and development. They prioritize continuous learning, self-improvement, and mental well-being. Tools like online courses, self-help apps, and social networks play a significant role in their development journey. It is important to have a conversation about how to begin closing the gap between what our students are learning and what the demands of the workforce will be once they enter. Half of us will need to reskill in the next five years, as the "double disruption" of the economic impacts of the pandemic and increasing automation transforming jobs takes hold.

Sustainable Development: This generation of leaders bears the responsibility of preserving and advancing the legacies of their businesses while actively championing sustainable practices across businesses, governments, local communities, and personal lifestyle changes to secure a brighter future for the planet. Sustainability, the buzzword across the world today, will have to take on a new avatar and become the soul of every organization - business or otherwise. Businesses cannot succeed in societies that fail.

Social Development: The next generation is deeply rooted in creating positive change in society by incorporating CSR, promoting digital literacy, improving access to quality education, and supporting public health initiatives. Smart living is about adapting the fruits of technology through models that are scalable, profitable and, importantly, ecologically and socially more sustainable.

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The Next Gen: DIVERSIFICATION

Geographical Diversification: The prime focus of the new-gen leaders will be on a geographic diversification strategy, either domestically or internationally, aiming to integrate its products and services as a routine in consumers’ lifestyles. This will mitigate the risks associated with regional economic fluctuations. In an interconnected world, diversity, shaped by globalization and technological advances, forms the fabric of modern society.

Business Diversification: The strategic expansion and diversification of businesses with investments in newer business avenues, will enhance the return on investment, reflecting the forward-thinking approach of the next-generation leaders' eagerness to innovate. Companies are discovering that, by supporting and promoting diverse products and services, they are gaining benefits that go beyond the optics.

Workforce Diversification: To achieve geographical and business diversification, the next generation of leaders will aim at prioritizing workforce diversity, to boost job growth and create together a multitude of ideas and perspectives, igniting innovation and creativity. In times of increasing disruption and uncertainty, companies need to continue to prioritize diversity and inclusiveness (D&I) for the benefit of their culture — and their bottom line.

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