Boardroom Change After Loss of Sunjay Kapur
Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd (Sona Comstar), a major supplier to the automotive industry, has appointed Jeffrey Mark Overly as its new Chairman, effective June 23, 2025. This leadership transition follows the sudden passing of Sunjay Kapur, who had steered the company through significant growth and will now be honored as Chairman Emeritus.
Overly’s Deep Roots in Global Operations
Jeffrey Mark Overly is no stranger to Sona Comstar. Having served as an Independent Director since February 2021, he has participated in every board and committee meeting, contributing actively despite being based in a different time zone. Overly brings more than 43 years of operational and leadership experience, including 25 years at General Motors and Delphi Corporation, where he held various global roles in operations and engineering.
His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s in business from Central Michigan University.
Proven Track Record Across Industries
Before joining Sona Comstar’s board, Overly was an Operating Partner at Blackstone Group in New York, supporting portfolio companies on operational excellence, supply chain improvements, and strategic initiatives. He also served as Vice President of Global Fixture Operations at Kohler Company, managing worldwide manufacturing and supply chains. His expertise in lean practices and supply chain strategy is widely recognized.
Currently, Overly serves on the boards of several companies, including Performance Food Group, Fortrex Inc., Comstar Automotive USA LLC (a Sona Comstar subsidiary), Sabre Industries, and Supply One Inc.
What This Means for Sona Comstar
Overly’s appointment signals stability and continuity for Sona Comstar at a pivotal time. The company, valued at around ₹30,000 crore, supplies critical components like gears, shafts, starter motors, and steering parts to India’s passenger and commercial vehicle sectors. Overly’s global experience and hands-on leadership style are expected to help Sona Comstar maintain its growth trajectory and strengthen its international presence.
As Sona Comstar moves forward, the board’s decision reflects confidence in Overly’s ability to steer the company through industry challenges and opportunities, building on the legacy of Sunjay Kapur while charting a clear path for the future.
