Mahindra Susten, the renewable energy arm of Mahindra Group, has appointed Avinash Rao as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 24, 2025. Rao will be responsible for steering the company’s growth strategy and overseeing the expansion of its renewable energy portfolio.
Mahindra Susten has commissioned 1.6 GW of projects to date and has a pipeline of about 3.6 GW across solar, wind, hybrid, and commercial and industrial (C&I) solutions. The company is also developing capabilities in areas such as energy storage and integrated renewable energy solutions.
“With 15 years of legacy in renewable energy and having a diversified portfolio, Susten is well-positioned to lead India’s renewable energy transition. Avinash’s deep expertise across the entire energy value chain—from platform creation to investment and operational excellence—will enable us to create long-term value for our stakeholders while accelerating the transition to a cleaner energy future,” said Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO and Managing Director of Mahindra Group.
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, a long-term investor in Mahindra Susten, also welcomed the appointment. “We congratulate Avinash Rao on his appointment and look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Mahindra Susten. The company has established itself as a key player in India’s renewable energy sector and we are pleased to support its ongoing efforts to deliver reliable, high-quality clean energy solutions,” said Bruce Crane, Executive Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.
Rao has nearly 30 years of experience across conventional power, transmission, and renewable energy. He previously served as CEO of Sustainable Energy Infra Investment Managers Pvt. Ltd., the investment manager to Sustainable Energy Infra Trust (SEIT), which is listed on the National Stock Exchange. He has also held senior roles at Sekura India Management Limited and CLP India, where he worked on building, acquiring, and managing renewable energy businesses.
Mahindra Susten is the renewable energy platform of Mahindra Group. Its portfolio includes Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) projects totalling over 4 GWp, an independent power producer business with more than 1.5 GWp of developed solar plants, and a development pipeline of more than 3.3 GWp of renewable projects across India.
