Manish Sharma, the former Panasonic India Chairman & CEO, has joined farm- and construction-equipment major Escorts Kubota as President of its Agri Business division, according to the latest regulatory filing. As reported by Rediff Moneynews, Sharma brings over three decades of experience in the appliances and consumer electronics industry, including a 17-year long leadership role at Panasonic India. The appointment represents a significant leadership change for the company's largest business segment, with Sharma's role becoming effective from September 21, 2026. This appointment is in compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015, with the official communication made at 9:00 AM on September 21, 2026. Vicky Chauhan, Company Secretary, signed the intimation for the formal disclosure to BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited.
According to the latest regulatory filing, Sharma will be responsible for the Tractor Business Division, Agri Solutions Business Division and Service and Spare Parts Business Division in domestic and international markets. As reported by Rediff Moneynews, this move comes at a time when Escorts Kubota is sharpening its focus on technology-led farm mechanisation, exports and premiumisation of its tractor portfolio amid increasing competition in the agricultural machinery sector. The company is pursuing growth opportunities arising from rising farm mechanisation, improving rural productivity and increasing demand for technologically advanced agricultural equipment. Sharma's role will involve spearheading the company's Agri Business division and focusing on achieving the company's annual and mid-term business plan targets, enhancing both domestic and international market operations. His engineering background and more than thirty years of experience in strategic planning, operations, and business development across consumer electronics, manufacturing, and technology sectors positions him well for the company's digital transformation initiatives in the agricultural sector.
According to Rediff Moneynews, Escorts Kubota is among India's leading tractor and agricultural machinery manufacturers, marketing products under brands such as Farmtrac, Powertrac and Kubota. The company operates in over 40 countries and has been expanding its global footprint following Kubota Corporation's strategic investment and subsequent increase in shareholding. Kubota Corporation, the Japan-based agricultural and construction equipment major, owns a majority 53.5 per cent stake in the company, making it the promoter and controlling shareholder while Nikhil Nanda remains Chairman and Managing Director. The latest filing confirms that Sharma's appointment is on whole-time employment basis with the company, strengthening the leadership team for the company's core agricultural machinery division, with Sharma overseeing tractors, agri solutions, service, and spare parts across domestic and international markets.
As reported by Rediff Moneynews, Sharma's experience in product development, manufacturing, handling supply chains, brand building and business transformation is expected to help the company accelerate growth initiatives in both domestic and overseas markets. His appointment signals the company's intent to bring in seasoned professional leadership as it pursues growth opportunities arising from rising farm mechanisation, improving rural productivity and increasing demand for technologically advanced agricultural equipment. Sharma's background in consumer electronics and technology is expected to influence the company's digital transformation in the agricultural sector, aligning with the company's ongoing efforts to maintain a competitive edge in both national and global markets. The move aligns with the company's focus on executing its mid-term growth strategy in the agricultural equipment space, with Sharma tasked with delivering annual and mid-term business plan targets for the segment. Sharma has been associated with industry bodies such as FICCI and policy forums in his previous stints and continues to serve as a senior adviser to Panasonic Energy.
