Seetarama (Swamy) Kotagiri

Swamy Kotagiri, became Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Magna International effective January 1, 2021. Under his leadership, Magna remains at the forefront of a changing mobility landscape, driving the company’s growth to benefit shareholders, customers and employees. 

Mr. Kotagiri has deep experience across the global automotive sector. His leadership has been instrumental in steering Magna through a dynamic and ever-changing automotive industry. Mr. Kotagiri’s operational excellence mindset has been crucial in executing Magna’s strategy characterized by deliberate portfolio management and stringent financial discipline, including purposeful capital allocation. 

Mr. Kotagiri joined Magna in 1999, shortly after working for General Motors and receiving his master’s degree in mechanical engineering (Oklahoma State University) with a specialization in materials and structural engineering. He has several patents in automotive product and process design. 

His contributions to the industry have been widely recognized. Mr. Kotagiri was featured in Business Insider’s 100 People Transforming Business, an annual list that highlights individuals who are revolutionizing business practices across various industries. He was named to Motor Trend’s Movers and Shakers list for 2022, 2023 and 2024; and was honoured as Automotive News All Star’s top Global Supplier Executive in 2021 and 2024. Additionally, he was included in Macleans Power List for 2023 and 2024. Most recently, he was named to the 2025 MotorTrend Power List (Top 50 Most Influential People in the Industry) and recognized in Automotive News Canada’s 2025 All Stars.