By IANS,
New Delhi : Swedish defence and security company Saab AB Monday announced the appointment of Inderjit Sial as country head of Saab International India AB.
“In his new role, Sial, will be responsible for the marketing activities of Saab Group in India,” a company statement said.
Sial takes on this position from Jan Widerstrom, who will be moving on to the role of Head-Asia Pacific Region, Saab AB.
“Inderjit has been with Saab since 2007 and has been key to steering several strategies leading to the company’s overall growth,” Widerstrom said.
“Having spent close to 22 years in the defence industry, Inderjit brings with him tremendous experience and knowledge of the sector.”
Prior to assuming the position, Sial was working with Saab International India AB as vice president – industrial cooperation and was responsible for the company’s offset projects in India.
Sial, who began his career working with the Swedish government owned Sukab AB, has worked with companies such as Boeing, British Aerospace, Airbus and Nobel Industries. Prior to joining Saab AB, Sial also served as the chairman of Oriflame, a Swedish multinational in India.
The Saab Gripen is one of the six contenders in the fray for an Indian Air Force (IAF) order for 126 medium multi-role combat jets in a deal that is worth $10 billion. With two sets of trials for the jets completed – one in India and the other in the country of manufacture – the IAF is likely to draw up a shortlist in about a year, after which price negotiations will begin.
Two years ago, the company entered into a joint venture with Tata Consultancy Services to establish an Aeronautical Design and Development Centre (ADDC) to serve global markets.
In February 2009, the ADDC received its first contract by Saab to participate in the design and development of the Gripen Next Generation fighter.