Dr Arulkumar Shanmugasundaram to Lead SWELECT as CEO and MD!
By Ashutosh Arora
SWELECT Energy Systems Ltd has appointed Dr Arulkumar Shanmugasundaram as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, signaling a new phase of growth and innovation for the renewable energy company. With more than 30 years of international experience in technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy, Dr Arul is expected to drive SWELECT’s expansion across solar manufacturing, EPC services, and independent power producer (IPP) projects.
The leadership change comes as long-time leader R. Chellappan transitions into the role of Vice Chairman. After decades of steering SWELECT, Chellappan will continue to provide strategic guidance while enabling fresh leadership to take the company forward. Commenting on the appointment, he said, “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Arul to SWELECT. His global experience, proven leadership, and passion for renewable energy will be invaluable as we strengthen SWELECT into a powerhouse across Solar Manufacturing, EPC and IPP.”
Dr Arul brings extensive leadership credentials to SWELECT. He most recently served as Executive Director at Ayana Renewable Power, where he helped build a renewable portfolio of 5 GW. Prior to that, as Chief Operating Officer of Tata Power Solar Systems, he played a pivotal role in transforming the company into one of India’s leading EPC solutions providers. His career began in Silicon Valley with Applied Materials, where he contributed to setting up India’s first thin-film a-Si production line, establishing his reputation as a leader at the intersection of advanced technology and renewable energy.
On taking charge at SWELECT, Dr Arul said, “SWELECT has a strong financial base, high-quality assets, and deep customer trust. I look forward to driving profitable business growth while addressing the interests of all stakeholders.” His appointment reflects SWELECT’s strategy to combine global expertise with local execution to strengthen its role in India’s renewable energy landscape.
Under Dr Arul’s leadership and Chellappan’s continued guidance, SWELECT has outlined a strategic roadmap aimed at scaling its operations significantly by 2027. The company plans to achieve over 1 GW in IPP projects, another 1 GW in EPC projects, and 2 GW in module manufacturing. In addition, SWELECT is preparing to enter the solar cell manufacturing segment, positioning itself as an integrated player capable of addressing the full solar value chain.
The roadmap demonstrates SWELECT’s ambition to become a stronger force in India’s renewable energy sector at a time when the country is scaling up solar capacity to meet its climate and energy security goals. With its established financial strength and trusted customer relationships, SWELECT is well-placed to accelerate innovation while expanding its operational footprint.
The leadership transition marks both continuity and change for the company. Chellappan’s decades of experience and continued involvement will ensure strategic stability, while Dr Arul’s vision and operational expertise promise renewed momentum for growth. Together, they aim to transform SWELECT into a leader not just in India’s renewable energy market but also as a contributor to global sustainability initiatives.
