Daimler Truck Innovation Center India Appoints Radhakrishnan Kodakkal as MD & CEO

Daimler Truck Innovation Center India (DTICI) has appointed Radhakrishnan Kodakkal as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 9, 2026. The appointment marks a key leadership transition at the Bengaluru-based innovation and development hub, one of Daimler Truck’s largest technology centres outside Germany.

Kodakkal succeeds Raghavendra Vaidya, who has been elevated to the role of Global Chief Information Officer at Daimler Truck AG.

In his new role, Kodakkal will oversee DTICI’s engineering and digital operations, working closely with Daimler Truck’s global product engineering, technology and IT teams. His responsibilities will include strengthening and expanding India’s contribution across engineering, software development, digital platforms and IT operations, areas that are becoming increasingly strategic as the automotive industry undergoes rapid technological transformation.

Kodakkal brings more than 30 years of global leadership experience in technology, engineering and research and development across multinational organisations. Most recently, he served as Global Head of Integrated Technology and Vice President and Head of the Global Technology and Engineering Center at Whirlpool Corporation. In that role, he led global technology planning, R&D operations and cross-functional innovation initiatives across multiple regions.

Throughout his career, he has been involved in large-scale digital transformation programmes, including initiatives focused on connected technologies and sustainable product development. His experience in leading global engineering teams and driving technology strategy positions him to further expand DTICI’s role within Daimler Truck’s global innovation network.

Commenting on the appointment, Thomas Ulm, Chairman of DTICI, said Kodakkal’s experience and leadership capabilities make him well suited to lead the centre during its next phase of growth. He noted that as DTICI continues to play a central role in Daimler Truck’s global engineering and IT ecosystem, Kodakkal’s leadership will help strengthen its position as a trusted innovation and delivery hub.

Ulm also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing CEO Raghavendra Vaidya, highlighting that under his leadership, DTICI evolved into an integral part of Daimler Truck’s global operations. Vaidya’s transition to the role of Global CIO is expected to further strengthen collaboration between the organisation’s global technology leadership and the India centre.

Speaking about his new role, Radhakrishnan Kodakkal said the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the automotive sector. He noted that the industry is undergoing significant transformation driven by electrification, connectivity and digital technologies, and emphasised his commitment to building on DTICI’s established capabilities.

Kodakkal added that he looks forward to working with teams across global markets to develop scalable and sustainable technology solutions that support Daimler Truck’s long-term product and technology roadmap.

Established in December 2021, DTICI has rapidly expanded its footprint within Daimler Truck’s global operations. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the centre has become a key development hub supporting product engineering and IT initiatives across all Daimler Truck brands worldwide.

The leadership appointment reflects Daimler Truck’s broader strategy of deepening its investment in India, recognising the country’s growing importance as a hub for engineering talent, digital innovation and technology delivery. As the global commercial vehicle industry moves toward software-driven systems, electrification and connected mobility, centres like DTICI are expected to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the company’s future technology landscape.