New Delhi, Delhi, India, June 2026 — MANITOU Group has announced the appointment of Dr. Manish Kulkarni as Managing Director – Manitou South Asia, reinforcing the company’s commitment to accelerating growth and strengthening its presence across the South Asian market.
In his new role, Dr. Kulkarni will lead the company’s business strategy, commercial operations, market expansion initiatives, and customer engagement efforts across the region. His extensive experience in sales leadership, product management, marketing, exports, and business development is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting MANITOU Group’s long-term growth ambitions. The company noted that his expertise in driving go-to-market strategies and his strong commercial vision will be critical assets as it expands its market presence and deepens customer relationships across South Asia.
Dr. Kulkarni joins MANITOU South Asia after a successful tenure with Ammann Group, where he spent more than five years in progressively senior leadership positions. Most recently, he served as Sales Director, leading commercial operations and business growth initiatives. Prior to that, he held the positions of Head of Sales and Marketing and General Manager – Exports, where he played a key role in expanding market reach, strengthening customer engagement, and driving international business development.
Before joining Ammann Group, Dr. Kulkarni spent over seven years with JCB India Ltd., where he held leadership roles including Head of Product Management – Wheel Products and Product Marketing and Sales Head for the road construction equipment business. During this period, he contributed significantly to product strategy, market development, customer acquisition, and sales growth across the construction equipment segment.
Earlier in his career, he spent more than seventeen years with Greaves Cotton Limited, where he rose to the position of General Manager and led the Asphalt Plant vertical. His long tenure provided him with extensive experience in industrial sales, business operations, customer relationship management, and market expansion across the infrastructure and construction sectors.
Dr. Kulkarni holds a Doctor of Business Administration from ABMTC Switzerland, with research focused on digital interventions to enhance industrial sales and marketing. He also earned an MBA in Marketing Management from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), one of India’s leading management institutions.
With nearly three decades of experience spanning construction equipment, industrial machinery, infrastructure solutions, sales leadership, product management, and international business development, Dr. Kulkarni brings a wealth of industry knowledge and strategic expertise to MANITOU Group as it continues to strengthen its position in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
About MANITOU Group
MANITOU Group is a global leader in material handling, aerial work platforms, and earthmoving equipment. Headquartered in France, the company operates through a worldwide network of more than 800 dealers and employs approximately 6,100 people globally. In 2025, the Group reported sales of €2.6 billion.
Its extensive product portfolio includes telehandlers, forklifts, loaders, aerial work platforms, truck-mounted forklifts, storage equipment, and attachments. Beyond equipment manufacturing, MANITOU provides comprehensive customer solutions including maintenance services, financing options, and value-added support designed to enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
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