Who was SB Ravi Pandit? KPIT Technologies founder passes away at 71

SB (Ravi) Pandit, the esteemed founder and Chairman of KPIT Technologies, has died at the age of 71 in Pune, as confirmed by the company on May 8. In an exchange filing, KPIT expressed profound sorrow over the loss of their leader, stating, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Founder and Chairman of the Board, Mr. S. B. (Ravi) Pandit." Pandit was a trailblazer in India's mobility and engineering technology landscape, contributing immensely over the past three decades. He spearheaded numerous organizations that emphasized software-defined mobility, professional services, sustainability, and public policy. As co-founder and chairman of KPIT Technologies, a Pune-based firm specializing in automotive software and engineering solutions, he played a pivotal role in shaping initiatives related to autonomous driving, electrification, and sustainable mobility. In addition to his work with KPIT, Pandit served as the chairman of Kirtane & Pandit Chartered Accountants (KPCA), one of the largest professional services firms founded by Indians, boasting more than 1,200 professionals across 15 nations. His influence extended beyond corporate boundaries; he co-established several institutions including the Pune International Centre and Janwani, and he actively participated in policy research at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics. His leadership was recognized on national platforms as he served as President of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture and chaired the Research Council at the Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute. Notably, Pandit was the sole representative from the private sector on the government’s Empowered Group for the National Green Hydrogen Mission and recently launched the HRIDAY initiative aimed at advancing clean energy solutions. An accomplished gold-medal chartered accountant and a graduate of the MIT Sloan School of Management, Pandit was honored as a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy. Moreover, he co-authored the acclaimed book, "Leapfrogging to Pole-Vaulting," further showcasing his commitment to innovation and development in his field.