Key Points

Mahindra Susten has appointed Avinash Rao as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer effective September 2025. He will lead the company's ambitious growth strategy across the renewable energy value chain. The appointment is supported by both Mahindra Group leadership and long-term investor Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan. Rao's three decades of experience will help drive India's transition to cleaner energy solutions.

Key Points: Avinash Rao Appointed Mahindra Susten MD CEO for Renewable Growth

  • Avinash Rao brings nearly 30 years of energy industry experience
  • Will lead expansion across solar, wind, and hybrid renewable projects
  • Mahindra Susten has 1.6 GW commissioned and 3.6 GW pipeline
  • Company is building capabilities in energy storage and ESG practices
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Avinash Rao appointed as MD and CEO of Mahindra Susten

Mahindra Susten names Avinash Rao as new MD & CEO to lead renewable energy expansion. Brings 30 years experience to drive 3.6 GW pipeline & ESG vision.

"Avinash’s deep expertise... will enable us to create long-term value for our stakeholders while accelerating the transition to a cleaner energy future. - Anish Shah, Mahindra Group CEO"

Mumbai, August 25

Mahindra Susten, the cleantech arm of the Mahindra Group and a leading independent power producer (IPP) in India, has announced the appointment of Avinash Rao as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

The appointment will be effective September 24, 2025, as per the company announcement.

Avinash will lead Mahindra Susten's ambitious growth strategy, steering the company towards an expanded and diversified portfolio across the renewable energy value chain. Avinash Rao brings nearly three decades of experience.

Mahindra Susten is a leader in the renewable energy sector with over 1.6 GW of commissioned projects and a robust pipeline of nearly 3.6 GW across solar, wind, hybrid projects, and C&I (Commercial and Industrial) solutions.

The company said it is also actively building capabilities in emerging areas such as energy storage and integrated renewable energy solutions, setting benchmarks in reliable supply of clean energy, safety, diversity, quality, governance, and ESG practices.

Anish Shah, Group CEO and MD, Mahindra Group, said, "At Mahindra, sustainability and climate action are not just priorities--they are core to our purpose. We are setting benchmarks in ESG and sustainability, and Susten plays a pivotal role in accelerating this vision. With 15 years of legacy in renewable energy and having a diversified portfolio, Susten is well-positioned to lead India's renewable energy transition. Avinash's deep expertise across the entire energy value chain--from platform creation to investment and operational excellence--will enable us to create long-term value for our stakeholders while accelerating the transition to a cleaner energy future."

Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (Ontario Teachers), a long-term investor in Mahindra Susten, also welcomed the appointment.

Bruce Crane, Executive Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific at Ontario Teachers', said: "We congratulate Avinash Rao on his appointment and look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Mahindra Susten. 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."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Three decades of experience is impressive! Hope he focuses on making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for smaller businesses too. The C&I solutions segment has huge potential in India.
M
Michael C
Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan being involved shows how seriously international investors are taking India's renewable energy sector. Good for job creation and foreign investment!
A
Ananya R
Hope they focus on energy storage solutions too. Solar and wind are great but we need better storage technology to make renewable energy reliable 24/7. Exciting times for clean energy in India! 🌞
S
Sarah B
While this is positive news, I hope Mahindra Susten also focuses on community engagement and ensuring local populations benefit from these projects, not just corporate interests.
V
Vikram M
1.6 GW commissioned and 3.6 GW pipeline - these numbers are massive! Shows how rapidly India's renewable sector is growing. Proud to see Indian companies leading this transition 💪

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