SWELECT Energy Systems has announced the appointment of Dr Arulkumar Shanmugasundaram as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. This leadership transition comes as founder and long-time leader, R Chellappan, assumes the role of Vice Chairman to continue offering strategic guidance.

Dr Arul brings more than three decades of global experience across technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy. He most recently served as Executive Director (Operations) at Ayana Renewable Power, where he helped build a 5 GW portfolio, including 2.5 GW of operating assets, before its $2.3 billion acquisition by NTPC Green and ONGC Green. Earlier, as COO of Tata Power Solar Systems, he played a key role in expanding the company’s EPC leadership across utility, rooftop, and solar pump projects. His career began at Applied Materials in Silicon Valley, where he contributed to semiconductor equipment development and helped establish thin-film production in India.

An alumnus of IIT Madras with a PhD from Cornell University, Dr Arul combines academic excellence with industry expertise to lead SWELECT into its next chapter.

Welcoming the appointment, R Chellappan 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.”

On his new role, Dr Arul remarked, “It is a privilege to carry forward SWELECT’s legacy. With its strong financial base, quality assets, and customer trust, SWELECT is well positioned to lead in reliable BESS systems and renewable solutions. I look forward to driving profitable growth while serving customers, employees, and investors.”

With Dr Arul at the helm and Chellappan’s continued guidance, SWELECT aims to accelerate innovation, scale operations, and consolidate its leadership in the renewable energy value chain.