From Delhi Streets to CEO Suite: A Journey of Resilience in the Automotive Industry

Grounded Beginnings

Vikas starts by recounting his early days in Delhi, painting a picture of a life that began in 1967 with formative experiences on a Vespa scooter—a quintessential symbol of family transport at the time. He fondly recalls his father's lesson, a guiding principle of 'direction over speed.' In those days, with limited speed controls on the Vespa, navigating life was more about choosing the right path than rushing ahead. Academically, Vikas describes himself as an 'average man,' a 'consistent second divisioner' throughout his schooling, never quite reaching the top tier.

The Streets as an MBA

He says that his real MBA came from the streets, not from an Ivy League institution. After graduating with honors in commerce, he found himself at an average MBA college in Modinagar, an industrial town a considerable distance from Delhi. The experience of navigating the city with a simple 12-rupee bus pass became his practical lesson in mobility, chasing buses and understanding the nuances of transport. Early jobs in the cement industry, dealing with allocation and pricing, and a significant 13-year stint in the tire industry with Jotire, building exclusive car radial counters, further grounded him in real-world business dynamics. Vikas emphasizes that the streets, not the boardroom, provided the most critical lessons.

Navigating the Bumpy Roads of Mobility

The narrative shifts to his involvement in the radio taxi business, a precursor to modern ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola. Vikas proudly recounts being part of the radio taxi revolution in India with Easy Cabs in Delhi and his affiliation with Hertz car rentals as a master franchise. Despite holding a high-ranking position, he humorously refers to himself as the 'chief orbiting officer,' constantly dealing with operational challenges such as drivers not reporting on time, missing cars, and malfunctioning GPS systems.

A Health Crisis and Reinvention

At a high point in his career, Vikas faced a severe health crisis, battling lupus and a subsequent coma. His recovery was arduous, and he returned to work prematurely, leading to near job loss. This turning point prompted a strategic reinvention. Drawing from his diverse experiences in cement, tires, mobility, and auto components, he rebranded himself as a mobility strategist. The world saw a 'confused buffet of CVs,' but Vikas saw a unique blend of experiences that positioned him perfectly for a strategic role.

Strategy, Summit, and Beyond

His career playbook centered on corporate strategy: joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, and turnarounds. Vikas stresses the importance of collaboration, noting that in a successful joint venture, 'the joint is stronger than the venture.' Joining Lumax in 2018 as Chief Strategy Officer, he implemented a transformative blueprint. Despite lacking direct experience in factory operations, he was appointed CEO in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, tasked with turning around the organization. Under his leadership, the company grew significantly, and he received the Hall of Fame 2025 award.

A Legacy of Contribution

At 58, an age when many consider retirement, Vikas had initially fantasized about retiring to his farm in Kajat. However, fate intervened, and his tenure was extended for another five years. He realized that his purpose lay in contributing to the automotive industry, aiming to create new markets, products, and businesses to help India become a mobility powerhouse. He urges the audience to consider careers in automotive and mobility, emphasizing their exciting potential.

Lessons in Perseverance

In closing, Vikas encapsulates his journey as one of perseverance and resilience, not of mere brilliance. He encourages everyone to 'build a life on your own terms' and to pursue their dreams fearlessly. He offers his mentorship and advice, inviting connections on LinkedIn. His story underscores that with the right direction, challenges can be overcome, and success can be achieved through unwavering dedication.