Mahindra Susten, the cleantech arm of the Mahindra Group, has announced the appointment of Avinash Rao as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO), effective September 24, 2025. Rao will lead the company’s strategic expansion as an Independent Power Producer (IPP), focusing on diversifying across the renewable energy value chain.
Avinash Rao: A Veteran in the Energy Sector
Rao brings over three decades of experience in the energy and infrastructure sector. Prior to joining Mahindra Susten, he served as the CEO of Sustainable Energy Infra Trust (SEIT) Investment Managers, the investment management arm of SEIT—an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) backed by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (OTPP) and Mahindra Susten.
He has also held leadership positions at Sekura India Management Limited, supported by Edelweiss Alternatives, and at CLP India, where he contributed significantly to renewable energy growth and investment strategies.
Mahindra Susten’s Growing Renewable Energy Portfolio
Mahindra Susten currently has:
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1.6 GW of commissioned renewable energy projects
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A robust pipeline of 3.6 GW across solar, wind, hybrid projects, and commercial & industrial (C&I) solutions
The company is actively expanding into allied sectors, including energy storage solutions and integrated renewable energy offerings, to strengthen its role in India’s transition to clean energy.
Leadership Perspectives
Welcoming Rao, Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, said:
“We are setting benchmarks in ESG and sustainability, and Mahindra Susten plays a pivotal role in accelerating this vision. With 15 years of legacy in renewable energy and a diversified portfolio, Susten is well-positioned to lead India’s renewable energy transition. Avinash’s expertise across the energy value chain—from platform creation to investment and operational excellence—will enable us to create long-term value for our stakeholders while advancing a cleaner energy future.”
Supporting the move, Bruce Crane, Executive MD and Head of Asia-Pacific at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, highlighted that Rao’s leadership will help strengthen Mahindra Susten’s position in the Indian renewable energy market.
Outlook: Strengthening India’s Clean Energy Transition
With India setting ambitious Net Zero and renewable energy targets, Mahindra Susten’s leadership change signals a renewed focus on innovation, investment, and operational excellence. Rao’s appointment is expected to accelerate the company’s growth, strengthen its ESG positioning, and drive large-scale adoption of sustainable energy solutions in India.
