Pune: KPIT Technologies Founder and Chairman Ravi Pandit Passes Away at 76
Pune, 8th May 2026: KPIT Technologies, a global leader in automotive software and mobility solutions, announced with profound grief the passing of its Founder and Chairman, MRavi Pandit, early this morning. A visionary leader who transformed India’s IT landscape, Pandit was 76.
A Visionary in Software-Defined Mobility
Pandit was the driving force behind KPIT’s strategic pivot from a general IT services firm to a specialist powerhouse in the automotive and mobility sectors. Under his leadership, KPIT became a pioneer in “Software-Defined Vehicles” (SDV), establishing long-term partnerships with global automotive giants like BMW, Ford, and Honda. His foresight positioned India as a global hub for high-end automotive engineering R&D.
Career and Academic Excellence
A gold-medalist Chartered Accountant and a Fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Pandit held a Master’s degree in Management from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Before co-founding KPIT in 1990 with Kishor Patil, he spent a decade leading his family’s accounting firm, Kirtane & Pandit Chartered Accountants (KPCA). His unique ability to combine the discipline of finance with the innovation of information technology laid the foundation for KPIT’s sustainable growth.
Commitment to Sustainability and Nation Building
Beyond the boardroom, Pandit was a staunch advocate for clean energy and social transformation. He served as the only private-sector member of the Indian government’s Empowered Group for the National Green Hydrogen Mission. His recent initiative, HRIDAY (Hydrogen Revolution for India’s Development of Agriculture & EnergY), reflected his lifelong belief that technology must serve inclusive development.
He was also a co-founder of the Pune International Centre (PIC), a national-level think tank, and co-authored the award-winning book Leapfrogging to Pole-vaulting with Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, which outlined radical strategies for sustainable business transformation.
Legacy and Tributes
Pandit’s contributions earned him numerous accolades, including:
Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA): Elected in 2026 for his exceptional contributions to science and technology.
Honorary Doctorates: Conferred by Coventry University (UK), Amity University, and Tilak Maharashtra University.
The Mahatma Award (2023): For his lifelong dedication to industry and societal progress.
He is remembered by colleagues and the industry not only as a brilliant strategist but as a leader of immense integrity and humility. In a statement, KPIT noted, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder. His vision for a cleaner, smarter, and safer world of mobility will continue to guide us.”
