KPIT Technologies founder Ravi Pandit passes away at 71 in Pune
Synopsis
Ravi Pandit, the co-founder who transformed KPIT Technologies from a domestic firm into a global automotive software powerhouse with a presence in 15 countries, has passed away at 71. His death comes as KPIT navigates a 33% profit dip even as revenues climb — a leadership transition at a pivotal moment for the EV and software-defined vehicle industry.
Key Takeaways
S.B. (Ravi) Pandit , co-founder and Chairman of KPIT Technologies , passed away in Pune on 9 May 2025 at age 71 .
Under his leadership, KPIT expanded across 15 countries , focusing on autonomous driving, electrification, and clean energy solutions.
He co-founded the Pune International Centre and Janwani , and served as President of MCCIA .
KPIT shares were trading 1.37% higher at ₹732.50 on the BSE on Friday.
The company reported a 33% YoY fall in net profit to ₹163 crore in Q4 FY26 , even as revenue rose 12% to ₹1,711 crore .
KPIT Technologies co-founder and Chairman Dr. S.B. (Ravi) Pandit passed away in Pune on Friday, 9 May 2025, at the age of 71, the company confirmed in a regulatory filing. Pandit was a central figure in building KPIT Technologies into a globally recognised automotive software and mobility technology firm.
A Legacy in Automotive Technology
Pandit co-founded the K&P Group and steered KPIT Technologies through its evolution into a global mobility technology company, with a focus on automotive software and engineering solutions. Under his leadership, the company expanded its footprint across 15 countries, delivering software-defined mobility solutions spanning autonomous driving, electrification, and clean energy technologies. His tenure positioned KPIT as a key partner to major global automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Public Policy and Social Contributions
Beyond the boardroom, Pandit was deeply engaged in public policy, sustainability, and social development. He co-founded institutions including the Pune International Centre and Janwani, and supported policy research through the Centre for Sustainable Development at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE). He also served as President of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) and contributed to multiple committees of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), representing Indian industry on several national platforms.
KPIT Technologies' Financial Position
On the day of the announcement, KPIT Technologies shares were trading 1.37% higher at ₹732.50 per share on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The stock has touched a 52-week high of ₹1,433 and a 52-week low of ₹625 on the exchange. Earlier this week, the company reported a 33% year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit to ₹163 crore for the March quarter (Q4 FY26), compared to ₹245 crore in the corresponding period last year. Despite the profit decline, revenue from operations rose 12% to ₹1,711 crore in Q4 FY26, against ₹1,528 crore a year earlier.
What Comes Next for KPIT
Pandit's passing marks the end of a foundational chapter for KPIT Technologies. The company now faces the dual challenge of navigating a period of profit pressure — even as revenues grow — while managing a leadership transition at the top. The automotive technology sector, where KPIT has staked its future, is undergoing rapid transformation driven by electrification and software-defined vehicle platforms, making steady leadership continuity critical in the months ahead.
Point of View
Which he helped build almost from scratch. His bet on software-defined mobility — at a time when Indian IT was overwhelmingly focused on services — was contrarian and ultimately prescient. The timing, however, is uncomfortable: KPIT is reporting profit compression even as revenues grow, suggesting margin pressures that will now need to be addressed without the founder's strategic anchor. The company's next leadership chapter will be tested quickly by a fast-moving EV and autonomous vehicle market where its global OEM relationships are its core asset.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ravi Pandit of KPIT Technologies?
Dr. S.B. (Ravi) Pandit was the co-founder and Chairman of KPIT Technologies and the K&P Group. He built the company into a global automotive software and mobility technology firm with a presence in 15 countries, focused on autonomous driving, electrification, and clean energy solutions.
How did Ravi Pandit pass away?
According to a regulatory filing by KPIT Technologies, Ravi Pandit passed away in Pune on 9 May 2025 at the age of 71. The company did not disclose the cause of death in its filing.
What was Ravi Pandit's contribution beyond KPIT Technologies?
Pandit co-founded the Pune International Centre and Janwani, supported policy research at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), served as President of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), and contributed to multiple CII committees.
How are KPIT Technologies shares performing?
KPIT Technologies shares were trading 1.37% higher at ₹732.50 on the BSE on the day of the announcement. The stock has a 52-week high of ₹1,433 and a 52-week low of ₹625.
What were KPIT Technologies' latest financial results?
KPIT Technologies reported a 33% year-on-year fall in consolidated net profit to ₹163 crore for Q4 FY26, compared to ₹245 crore a year earlier. Revenue from operations, however, rose 12% to ₹1,711 crore in the same period.
