Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA) has announced the appointment of Rohit Pathak as its new President for the year 2022-23.
Pathak, CEO of Birla Copper (a unit of Hindalco Industries Ltd), took over the reins from Vipul Ray at IEEMA’s 75th Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM, along with IEEMA’s annual convention, themed ‘Electricity to Energy: Vision 2047’, was held on September 26, 2022 at Hotel Taj Lands End, Mumbai.
The apex association also announced the appointment of its Vice Presidents — Hamza Arsiwala, Managing Director, Stelmec. and Sunil Singhvi, CEO, Energy SBU, Secure Meters — for 2022-23.
Pathak has been with the Aditya Birla Group (ABG) for over a decade. He is currently serving as CEO of Birla Copper, the leading copper player in India. Rohit had joined ABG in 2011 as the Principal EA to the Group Chairman, Kumar Mangalam Birla, and then went on to head Aditya Birla Insulators as its CEO. Prior to joining ABG, Rohit was with McKinsey & Company for a decade, where he co-led the automotive, basic materials and procurement practices of the firm.
Four focal areas
Rohit Pathak, President of IEEMA, said that the association will focus on four areas:
- To help the association and members explore and pursue emerging growth areas (e-mobility, renewables, exports to EU/US as they look for China+1 sources)
- Driving public policy efforts to address pain areas of the members and to shape IEEMA strategy for the new opportunities, positioning IEEMA as a thought leader
- Working with colleagues to strengthen membership engagement and regional connect, and drive key priorities such as ‘Women in Power’ and ‘Young@IEEMA’.
- Driving capability building of the IEEMA Operations Team and strengthen the processes & systems, as the IOT steers the Association into the Green, Digital Era.
Emerging opportunities
Concurring with Pathak, Hamza Arsiwala, Vice President, IEEMA, said, “Even as we continue to support on some of our existing challenges, we will bring greater emphasis this year to showcase these emerging opportunities and bring together all stakeholders, start-ups, financial investors, and the government) to revive and accelerate the growth for the industry.”
Export competitiveness
Sunil Singhvi, Vice President, IEEMA outlined the priorities for the year, “Our foremost priority is to encourage the industry to become export competitive and growth oriented. We will further enhance our relationship with the government and its agencies, on issues of concern and challenges faced by the industry, and undertake activities which will help in capacity building of our members.”
Guiding forces
Speaking on the occasion, Ms Charu Mathur, Director General of IEEMA, said, “We are pleased to have Mr. Rohit Pathak as the new President, and Mr. Hamza Arsiwala and Mr. Sunil Singhvi as Vice Presidents. Their extensive professional experience and vast knowledge of the industry will add immense value to the association and guide the association to achieve its strategic goals.”
Featured photograph shows IEEMA dignitaries at the 75th AGM (L to R): Ms Charu Mathur, Sunil Singhvi, Vipul Ray, Rohit Pathak and Hamza Arsiwala. (designations have been discussed in the story.)