New Delhi: In a significant development following the untimely demise of Sona Comstar Chairman Sunjay Kapur, the company’s board has appointed his wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur, as a Non-Executive Director. The appointment, which received overwhelming shareholder approval during the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 25, comes amid a public dispute within the Kapur family over succession and control.
Sachdev Kapur, a businesswoman and former investment banker, was formally nominated to the board on June 23 by Aureus Investments Pvt Ltd—the promoter entity holding a 28.02% stake in Sona Comstar. Her appointment was approved with 99.44% of the votes cast.
Sona Comstar also confirmed Jeffrey Mark Overly as the new Chairman, while Vivek Vikram Singh will continue as Managing Director and CEO. These leadership transitions come in the wake of Sunjay Kapur’s sudden death on June 12, which has triggered a succession struggle within the founding family.
The announcement of Priya Sachdev Kapur’s board induction has not gone uncontested. Rani Kapur, mother of the late Sunjay Kapur and widow of company founder Surinder Kapur, objected to the AGM proceedings, claiming she was “coerced” into signing legal documents shortly after her son’s death. In a letter dated July 24, she requested a two-week deferment of the AGM and raised concerns about the company’s decision-making process.
Sona Comstar responded by stating that Rani Kapur has not been a shareholder in the company since 2019 and therefore does not have the authority to seek a postponement. The company also refuted her claims of coercion, asserting that no documents had been signed by her in the aftermath of Sunjay Kapur’s death.
At the heart of the dispute is control of the RK Family Trust and its associated promoter holdings in the company, currently valued at over ₹8,200 crore. While Rani Kapur claims to be the rightful beneficiary of her late husband’s estate based on a 2015 will, official records list Sunjay Kapur as the sole beneficial owner of Aureus Investments.
Despite the controversy, the AGM proceeded as planned and the board appointments were ratified. The company has reiterated its commitment to corporate governance and transparency.
As the internal family battle unfolds, legal experts suggest the matter may move to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) or civil courts if claims over shareholding and control persist.
Sona Comstar, a leading player in automotive technology and components, is expected to maintain operational continuity under its restructured leadership. The board has stated that Priya Sachdev Kapur’s addition will bring strategic value, given her background in finance, entrepreneurship, and business management.
