Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

With over 28 years of global experience, I have led transformative growth and business scaling in the automotive and industrial OE sectors. At Gates, my focus on strategic initiatives in business transformation, market expansion, and stakeholder management has driven sustained profitability. My career has been defined by solving complex challenges, building enduring partnerships, and mentoring high-performing teams. I have partnered with leading PV OEMs such as Toyota, Suzuki, VW/Skoda, Stellantis, Ford, Hyundai/KIA, Tata, M&M, and RNPL; CV OEMs including TML, Ashok Leyland, VECV, Daimler, Cummins, CNH/IVECO, FM; and construction & agri OEMs like JCB, CASE, SANY, Kobelco, Atlas-Copco, Wirtgen, Hitachi, CAT, John-Deere, Kubota, and CNH— delivering innovative, future-ready solutions that drive business sustainability and measurable growth.

Q2. How do you foresee the timeline and pace of electrification impacting the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) power transmission business?

EVs are expected to be adopted quickly in the 2W & 3W space, as they meet all the positives for mass market coverage and end-user requirements. Other significant sectors for EVs are State transport buses & LCVs, which are last-mile connectivity for Passenger cars & SUVs.

It is still evolving and faces significant challenges in charging infrastructure, reliability, and cost. On the other hand, there is a dependency on China for components, batteries, and rare earth magnets, which comprise the majority of components for EV mobility.

Q3. How are companies adapting their power transmission product portfolio to meet the demands of electrified and hybrid powertrains?

Indian companies are following a rapid learning curve, having developed giga factories for vehicle manufacturing, but are struggling to develop a credible supply chain to support them due to their dependency on China.

Q4. What is your outlook on competitive differentiation in the electrified powertrain component space over the next 5–10 years?

It should grow by 18-20% CAGR for the next 4-5 years.

Q5. What are the most promising technological breakthroughs on the horizon that could disrupt current power transmission designs?

I rate hybrids and Hydrogen as major game changers.

Q6. What partnerships or collaborations are companies pursuing with tech firms or research institutions to accelerate innovation?

We are witnessing numerous collaborations among companies that have made significant innovations in lithium batteries, motors, and other components.