He was in the Thai Capital to attend a meeting of the Board of Directors of Tata Motors Thailand Limited

Karl Slym, the managing director of Tata Motors, passed away on Sunday in Bangkok after falling from a high floor of a hotel, a company spokesperson said. He was in Bangkok to attend a meeting of the Board of Directors of Tata Motors Thailand Limited.

For Mr. Slym, 51, it was not an easy ride leading the company at a time when the auto industry is grappling with prolonged slowdown.

He joined the auto major in 2012 as part of a major management overhaul and was responsible for charting out the company's strategy to regain momentum in the domestic market.

Expressing condolence at his sudden demise, Tata Motors Chairman Cyrus Mistry said: “Karl joined us in October 2012, and was a valued colleague who was providing strong leadership at a challenging time for the Indian auto industry. In this hour of grief, our thoughts are with Karl’s wife and family.”

Before joining Tata Motors, Mr. Slym was the executive vice president, SGMW Motors, China (a General Motors Joint Venture). Prior to that, he was president, managing director and board member of General Motors in India from 2007-11.

Meanwhile, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers said it was deeply grieved to hear about the death of Mr. Slym. “We have lost a well-wisher in Karl at a time when the company as well as the industry most needed his global expertise, leadership and guidance,” said SIAM president Vikram Kirloskar.