By ANI | Mumbai
In a significant leadership move, Mahindra Susten, the cleantech arm of the Mahindra Group and a leading independent power producer, has announced the appointment of Avinash Rao as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Effective September 24, 2025, Rao will assume responsibility for guiding the company’s ambitious growth strategy and diversifying its portfolio across the renewable energy value chain.
Bringing nearly three decades of extensive experience to the role, Rao is poised to lead Mahindra Susten at a pivotal time for India’s renewable energy sector. The company has established itself as a formidable player, with a strong track record of over 1.6 GW of commissioned projects and a robust development pipeline of nearly 3.6 GW. This portfolio encompasses solar, wind, hybrid projects, and tailored Commercial & Industrial (C&I) energy solutions. Under its new leadership, the firm is also actively expanding into emerging high-growth areas, including energy storage and comprehensive integrated renewable energy solutions.
Anish Shah, Group CEO and MD of the Mahindra Group, emphasized the critical nature of this appointment, stating, “At Mahindra, sustainability and climate action are not just priorities—they are core to our purpose.” He highlighted Susten’s pivotal 15-year legacy in accelerating the group’s vision for ESG and sustainability, adding that “Avinash’s deep expertise across the entire energy value chain… will enable us to create long-term value for our stakeholders while accelerating the transition to a cleaner energy future.”
The appointment has also been welcomed by key investors. Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (Ontario Teachers’), a long-term financial backer of Mahindra Susten, expressed strong support for the decision. Bruce Crane, Executive Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific at Ontario Teachers’, congratulated Rao and reaffirmed their commitment, noting, “The company has established itself as a key player in India’s renewable energy sector and we are pleased to support its ongoing efforts to deliver reliable, high-quality clean energy solutions.”
This leadership transition marks a strategic step for Mahindra Susten as it aims to reinforce its market position and drive India’s transition towards a sustainable energy future.
