Daimler Truck Innovation Center India lands former Whirlpool tech leader Radhakrishnan Kodakkal as CEO

To strengthen engineering, software and digital innovation capabilities at the India hub.

Daimler Truck Innovation Center India (DTICI), a R&D hub for Daimler Truck AG, has appointed Radhakrishnan Kodakkal as its new managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO), as the company looks to further strengthen its engineering and digital innovation capabilities from India.

Kodakkal succeeds Raghavendra Vaidya, who has transitioned into the role of global chief information officer at Daimler Truck AG.

In his new role, Kodakkal will focus on strengthening DTICI’s engineering and digital capabilities while working closely with Daimler Truck’s global engineering, technology and IT teams.

Prior to joining DTICI, he served as global head of integrated technology and vice president and head of the global technology and engineering centre at Whirlpool Corporation.

At DTICI, Kodakkal will work on expanding India’s role across engineering, software, digital platforms, and IT operations, further positioning the centre as a key innovation and delivery hub within Daimler Truck’s global ecosystem.

Kodakkal brings over three decades of global leadership experience spanning technology, engineering, and research and development across multinational organiasations.

In that role, he led global technology planning and oversaw R&D and engineering operations, while driving cross-functional innovation initiatives across multiple regions.

He also played a key role in advancing large-scale digital transformation and R&D strategies focused on developing connected, intelligent, and sustainable technology solutions.

Announcing the appointment, DTICI’s chairman, Thomas Ulm, said Kodakkal’s deep expertise in technology and engineering, along with his global leadership experience, will help strengthen the centre’s role in Daimler Truck’s global engineering and IT network.

Ulm also acknowledged the contributions of Vaidya, noting that under his leadership DTICI grew into an integral part of the company’s global technology and engineering ecosystem.

Commenting on his appointment, Kodakkal said the automotive industry is currently undergoing a transformation driven by digital technologies and new mobility solutions.

He added that DTICI has emerged as a pivotal technology and innovation hub for Daimler Truck and that he looks forward to working closely with global teams to deliver scalable and sustainable solutions.

The leadership transition also highlights Daimler Truck’s continued focus on India as a strategic location for engineering, digital innovation, and IT excellence, supporting the company’s long-term vision of building sustainable and connected transportation solutions.