The manufacturing industry is the pivot of India’s economy, assuming a vital role in fostering its growth and progress. The sector makes a substantial contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), fosters employment opportunities, and increases industrial output. Manufacturing innovation in abundance is clearly in line with India's ambition to strengthen its economic development and secure a prosperous future for its people. IITs and IIMs play a crucial role in industrial management and progression in India by producing manufacturing leaders. Here are a few IIT Kharagpur alumni who are leading the manufacturing industry.

Ravi Kant, CEO/Vice Chairman, TATA MOTORS (TML)

Ravi Kant played a key role as CEO/Vice Chairman in making Tata Motors Limited (TML) an acclaimed and successful Indian multinational. He spearheaded the development of the groundbreaking low-cost Nano passenger car and ACE commercial vehicle, which revolutionized the market. He was also instrumental in the acquisition of Daewoo Trucks in Korea and the iconic British brands Jaguar and Land Rover.

Ravi Kant completed his schooling at Mayo College, Ajmer. He holds a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur and a Master of Industry degree from Aston University, UK. He is a distinguished alumnus of Mayo College, Ajmer, and IIT Kharagpur and received an honorary doctorate from Aston University. He also received an honorary doctorate from Aston University and was a professor of industrial studies at the University of Warwick, UK, and a distinguished professor at IIT Kharagpur.

He played a key role in the turnaround of a loss-making scooter company (LML Vespa), the revitalization of a floundering consumer electronics business (Philips), and the creation of a highly regarded Indian fashion accessories brand (Titan). He has also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tata Corporation. He currently serves on the boards of Vedanta, Kone in Helsinki, Enactus, a US nonprofit, and Wonder Work.

Rakesh Pandya, CFO, MCPI PVT. LTD. 

Rakesh Pandya is currently responsible for the financial management of MCPI PVT. Ltd. He has over 20 years of experience in the field of finance. Before joining the company, he worked with DSP Merrill Lynch, ITC Classic Finance, Institute of Molecular Medicine, and Chatterjee Management Services Private Limited. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, India.

Dr. Purnendu Chatterjee, Chairman, Haldia Petrochemicals Limited

Dr. Purnendu Chatterjee was appointed as the Chairman of Haldia Petrochemicals Limited in March 2016. He holds a B. Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, and holds Masters and Doctorate degrees in Operations Research from the University of California, Berkeley. He was a research associate at the Stanford Research Institute. Dr. Chatterjee is a founding member of the Indian School of Business and Advanced VLSI Design Laboratory at IIT, Kharagpur.

Dr. Purnendu’s background combines expertise in technology, management consulting, and international investments. His primary focus is on the United States and India, with investments in real estate, aviation, and financial services. He has over 35 years of experience in the petrochemical industry. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Chatterjee Group (TCG) companies, such as TCG Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd, Chatterjee Holdings (Mauritius) Company, etc., and also serves as a Director for the Indian School of Business and Asia Society India Centre.

Dr. Bobby Mitra, Chief Information Officer (CIO) and President of AI and Digital Transformation, Tata Electronics

Tata Electronics recently announced the appointment of Dr. Bobby Mitra as Chief Information Officer and President, AI and Digital Transformation.  He will be responsible for AI and digital transformation of the Electronic Manufacturing Services, Semiconductor Assembly and Testing, Semiconductor Foundry, and Design Services businesses. His team will play a key role in establishing India's first semiconductor plant in Dholera (Gujarat) and the first indigenous semiconductor assembly and test facility in Jagiroad (Assam).

Dr. Bobby has led smart manufacturing as well as industrial systems and personal electronics systems globally for Texas Instruments, in addition to serving as the President and Managing Director of Texas Instruments, India.

 

Recently, he led manufacturing and supply chain advancements at Deloitte Consulting as Managing Director. Bobby is a Fellow of the IEEE and is the Global Chair of SEMI Smart Manufacturing. He is also the former Chair of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) and former President of the VLSI Society of India.

Dr. Bobby holds a  B.Tech in Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering and a Ph.D in Computer Science, both from IIT Kharagpur. In addition, he has also done an Executive MBA from the University of Texas, Austin.

Arnab Banerjee, MD & CEO, CEAT Limited

Arnab Banerjee has over 30 years of experience with CEAT, Marico and Berger Paints. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School (AMP 190), IIM Kolkata, and IIT Kharagpur. He is also an Associate Certified Coach (ACC). He joined CEAT in 2005 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Under his leadership, CEAT has spent the past 17 years innovating marketing initiatives, digital capabilities, sales and distribution strategies, manufacturing flexibility, and seamless supply chain processes, best-in-class dealer portal, CEAT website, CEAT Assist app, and CEAT Force to channel partners and customers. He believes in creating solutions for and with his customers. He is also passionate about leading the globalization of CEAT and winning with countries around the world.

He has worked with HR leaders and line managers to introduce coaching concepts into CEAT for performance management and human resource development. He introduced the concept of coaching to CEAT.