"Nilsson brings with him rich global experience and market knowledge, having handled international assignments with leading commercial vehicle manufacturers," the company said in a statement.
Born in Sweden, prior to joining Ashok Leyland, Nilsson had been heading the group companies of Scania and MAN in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries.
He played a big role in setting up Scania Finance in Russia and established MAN in the Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Armenia, it added.