From too many cooks to one chef

A REJUVENATION OF THE RENAULT BRAND AND ITS PRODUCT OFFERINGS WILL BE ON DEBLAISE'S PRIORITY LIST

- SWARAJ BAGGONKAR

AFTER YEARS OF DISAPPOINTMENT, French car-maker Renault has decided to alter the way it will function in India in the hope of reviving its dwindling fortunes.

Instead of having multiple entities report back to its headquarters in Paris, Renault will integrate all its India operations and put it under one roof, Renault Group India.

By September, manufacturing, design, and research and development will be under the common umbrella.

This, the company hopes, will streamline operations and help facilitate fusion among entities in the current structure.

To make that happen, the company has brought 52-year-old Stephane Deblaise to lead the charge from September 1.

Considered an old hand, Deblaise has been with the company for 21 years working across its offices in France, South Korea, and China.

"It will be a one-chef kitchen for Renault in India going forward," said a top official of Renault India.

"In the past there were too many cooks. All that will be brought under one roof now.

This will help us adapt to consumer changes quicker with regards to choice of fuel and vehicle body shape while adhering to the regulatory requirements."

That chef is Deblaise who will report to Francois Provost, Renault Group Chief of Procurement, Partnerships and Public Affairs Officer.