OLX Group appoints Gautam Thakar as Global CEO OLX Autos

Classified marketplace startup OLX Group has announced the appointment of Gautam Thakar as global CEO of OLX Autos. His new role will be effective from March 15, 2021. In his new role, Thakar will lead the organisation and its 4,000 employees across Asia, Africa, Latam, and the US.

Talking about the appointment, Martin Scheepbouwer, CEO, OLX Group, said, “Gautam brings a unique set of capabilities to this exciting opportunity including an exceptional general management track record, strong customer orientation, deep marketplace experience, and a rich experience leading and inspiring teams on a global footprint. We will all also benefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience.”

About Gautam Thakar

Most recently, Thakar was CEO of Star Sports in India that Walt Disney Company recently acquired. Before that Thakar was in the US for over a decade where he was the global CEO of Shopping.com and LivingSocial (Groupon acquired LivingSocial). Thus, he brings deep leadership experience in pioneering digital marketplaces. Thakar was a part of the founding management team of Baazee. In 2005, eBay acquired Baazee.

Commenting on his appointment, Gautam Thakar expressed his delight in the opportunity and responsibility to lead the Global OLX Autos team. “I’ve long watched the bold and ambitious approach taken by Naspers and Prosus. They have built great companies in so many exciting markets, including India. OLX Group's commitment to this business is unparalleled and I am inspired to join the team to build the world's most trusted platform for buying and selling cars.”

Thakar brings a strong consumer focus from the early days of his career as a brand manager at P&G in Asia. He also has stints in leading international marketing for eBay marketplaces. He has lived and worked in India, the Philippines and also the US. Thakar has managed country teams across 15+ markets throughout his career. In his new role, he will remain based in India.