Harnek Bhogal: Leading the next generation at Autoelectro

At just 25, Harnek Bhogal is thriving in a senior leadership role at Autoelectro. Marking two years in, he represents the third generation of leadership in a company that has successfully championed remanufacturing for almost 40 years – and he is making his mark his way whilst being respectful of the heritage.

Harnek began: “I’ve known this business my whole life. I grew up listening and learning – from my dad, Paul, and uncles, Nicky and Tony – grabbing any opportunity I could to come to the office and embrace what they and the staff do daily. On weekends, after school and during school holidays, I would spend a lot of time here, being inspired by the people around me and the work they do. I remember travelling to visit customers with my dad during the school holidays!”

Though his academic background is steeped in economics, his passion was always Autoelectro. When the time came to decide which career path to take, it was not an easy choice, but ultimately, he followed the route that filled him with the most joy.

He continued: “After finishing a stint at Nissan in 2021, I weighed up my options. I had offers to stay at Nissan or move to London, but there was only one place I truly wanted to be – and that’s the office I’m sitting in right now. It wasn’t a given either; I had to show that I could offer something tangible.”

Initially, Harnek took on a multifaceted role, supporting sales, marketing and product management. His enthusiasm, product knowledge and ability to connect with colleagues and customers quickly became evident. That commitment led to him being offered a senior role that placed him at the forefront of shaping company strategy and building customer relationships.

“It doesn’t feel like work”

Harnek isn’t naïve; he knows he still has much to learn, but he has treasured every second of his journey so far. His confidence comes from a lifetime immersed in the business, absorbing decades of expertise from mentors and colleagues.

He said: “There are people here who’ve been at Autoelectro longer than I’ve been alive! Their knowledge and passion are infectious – I get to absorb those skills and share them with our customers.

“Talking to customers about our products, our service and our people is not work – I could talk to anyone about Autoelectro, remanufacturing and rotating electrics all day! It is my passion, and I hope that comes across during meetings, training or events.”

Alongside John Cosgrove, Autoelectro’s business development manager, Harnek acts as a conduit between the company’s engineering expertise and the needs of both motor factors and independent workshops. Those conversations vary daily – but that unpredictability is something he thrives on.

Harnek said: “Every conversation is different; people want answers, they want trust, they want to know that if something goes wrong, we’ll be there. That’s where we shine at Autoelectro. We have the ability, knowledge and equipment to support any rotating electrics enquiry.” 

Since stepping into his senior role, Harnek has placed customer relationships at the heart of his work. He has introduced new ways of engaging directly with motor factors and workshops.

Conducting many in-person customer visits, his goal is to make the business as approachable and responsive as possible. That focus on accessibility has helped Autoelectro reinforce its position as a rotating electrics specialist.

Market changing

Starter motors and alternators today are far removed from the simpler parts of the past. They are advanced, ECU-controlled components integrated with stop/start systems and regenerative 48V mild hybrid (MHEV) technologies. Yet, Autoelectro continues to receive enquiries and orders for components from the sixties, seventies and eighties through to the most modern applications.

Harnek believes the MHEV era will continue “for at least another 10 years”, and he is confident Autoelectro will play a leading role in remanufacturing those components: “The hybrid range is one that will be developed strongly over the next few years,” he explained.

With four decades of engineering expertise, Autoelectro wants to shape it. A combination of OE-quality components, smart core sourcing, careful management of product proliferation and sustained investment in people means the business is well placed.

Harnek himself has been closely involved in developing Autoelectro’s hybrid strategy, identifying product gaps and working with the engineering team to expand coverage. His ability to connect market insight with technical capability has ensured that the business is preparing for what the future holds.

Humility and heritage

Despite bringing new energy and creativity, Harnek remains grounded in the company’s values. Autoelectro was founded by his grandfather, Santokh, in 1986, and that heritage shapes his approach to leadership.

Harnek said: “I represent the family that owns Autoelectro and the people making everything happen. I’m just one piece of a bigger team. I was – and still am – determined to earn their respect. I have a responsibility to do right by the business and the people in it.

“The family name is well respected in the trade, and I will protect the reputation and legacy that has been built. Ultimately, while I want to forge my own path, I also want to ensure that everything I do honours the values, reputation and hard work that my family have achieved.”

Looking ahead

Harnek refuses to look too far into the future. The market is constantly evolving, but one constant remains: the desire to give Autoelectro’s customers the best service and products.

Equally important is the sustainability of remanufacturing. By extending the life of components, reducing waste and conserving valuable resources, Autoelectro is helping the industry transition to a more environmentally responsible future.

Harnek believes this long-standing commitment to remanufacturing supports both the circular economy and that Autoelectro’s core pillars – range, stock availability, product quality and technical support – will continue to deliver value for decades to come.

He concluded: “I love meeting customers; I like listening to their insights, answering questions and providing solutions. It’s rewarding to see their confidence in our products and their business grow as a result.

“I may be biased, but I truly believe I have one of the best jobs in the world.”