Latest news with #EKA
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
EKA Mobility appoints Sanjay Kumar Bohra as Chief Commercial Officer
EKA Mobility, a leading electric vehicle and technology company, has appointed Sanjay Kumar Bohra as its Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In his new role, Bohra will lead the financial and commercial strategy for EKA Mobility and its group companies, with a focus on driving growth, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation. His appointment comes at a crucial time as EKA accelerates its growth and strengthens its international footprint. Previous stints With over 37 years of experience in finance, banking, and business process services (BPS), Bohra brings deep expertise in financial strategy , global operations, and business transformation. He previously served as Group CFO at a major Indian automotive OEM, and has also held senior roles at Citigroup and Tata Consultancy Services, where he led global banking operations and commercial banking BPO functions. Welcoming Bohra to the team, Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility and Pinnacle Industries, said, 'Sanjay's rich experience and leadership will be instrumental in propelling EKA's next phase of growth as we scale operations and expand globally.' Expressing his enthusiasm, Bohra stated, 'EKA's bold vision and sustainability-driven innovation resonate with my professional values. I am excited to contribute to its transformative journey.'
Associated Press
25-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
EKA Announces Kellie Hawkins as New Managing Partner, Ushering in the Next Era of Leadership
LOS ANGELES, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EKA, Southern California's premier public affairs and strategic communications firm, proudly announces the selection of Kellie Hawkins as its next Managing Partner, effective July 1, 2025. Her unanimous selection marks a major milestone in the firm's evolution and underscores its continued commitment to leadership excellence, innovation, and delivering results that matter to clients. Hawkins, who currently leads EKA's Health and Social Service Practice, brings more than two decades of experience across the public and private sectors. Widely respected for her strategic insight, collaborative leadership, and trusted counsel, Hawkins has been instrumental in advancing client priorities on some of the most complex and consequential issues facing communities today. As Managing Partner, she will guide EKA into its next phase of growth, aligning the firm's values with the evolving needs of its diverse client base. 'Kellie has long been one of the smartest, most strategic people I've worked alongside, and I have been lucky to call her a partner and friend,' said current Managing Partner Matt Knabe. 'She brings an extraordinary mix of government experience, political savvy, and calm leadership to the role. EKA's management is in great hands.' Kellie takes over the Managing Partner role from Matt Knabe, who, as a firm co-founder, will remain on as a partner and trusted advisor as the firm's leadership transitions to the next chapter. 'Under Matt's leadership as Managing Partner, EKA expanded its reach, deepened its influence, and solidified its position as Southern California's top public affairs and strategic communications firm,' said Kellie Hawkins, who is taking over. 'His vision, integrity, and ability to bring together talented professionals have laid the foundation for the firm's continued growth. We thank him for his efforts.' 'I am honored to step into this role at such a significant moment in EKA's journey,' said Hawkins. 'This firm has long stood at the intersection of policy, communication, and advocacy. I look forward to continuing our legacy of trusted leadership while cultivating new ways to serve our clients, support our people, and strengthen our communities.' Before joining EKA, Hawkins served as Chief Operating Officer of the National Health Foundation, advised senior officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and held key roles in the administration of former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Her early career began in epidemiology at the L.A. County Department of Health Services, grounding her in evidence-based service and public accountability. A native Angeleno, Hawkins holds degrees from Howard University and the University of Southern California's Master of Public Health program. She is an American Marshall Memorial Fellow and alumna of the Coro Health Leadership Program. She currently serves on the boards of Coro Southern California, CicLAvia, and Climate Resolve. EKA's announcement reaffirms the firm's deep bench of talent, long-standing commitment to leadership development, and its reputation as a trusted advisor to clients navigating today's most urgent policy and communications challenges. About EKA – EKA is a strategic communications firm specializing in public affairs, government advocacy, reputation management, crisis communications, and litigation support. With a deep bench of experienced professionals and a client roster that includes leading corporations, public agencies, and advocacy groups, EKA continues to set the standard for excellence in strategic counsel. Learn more at Media Contact: [email protected]
Mint
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
India's electric highway bus ambitions ride on 2-minute flash charging
New Delhi: The ministry of road transport is preparing to pilot a new generation of luxury electric buses capable of recharging in under two minutes, with the aim of transforming long-distance public transport. Developed by Tata Motors Ltd and EV startup EKA Mobility, the buses will operate at highway speeds of 100 to 120 km per hour on routes such as Delhi-Jaipur and Bangalore-Chennai, according to two people familiar with the matter. The buses, designed to seat up to 135 passengers in fully air-conditioned cabins, will incorporate 'flash charging" technology developed by companies including Siemens Ltd and Hitachi Ltd. The technology enables rapid battery top-ups, within as little as 20 to 120 seconds, at charging stations spaced roughly 20 to 40 km apart. Each quick charge would allow the bus to travel another 40 km before the next top-up. Read this | Domestic EV battery ambitions set for a steeper battle against global players in Trump's world 'The rolling stock of new buses has been developed by Tatas and EKA," said one person familiar with the plan. 'This would be tested in a pilot that we intend to start over next couple of months in Nagpur. The pilot's success would allow us to deploy these buses along major expressways… initially up to 300 km such as on Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Dehradun, Delhi-Chandigarh, Bangalore-Chennai, Mumbai-Nashik, Mumbai-Nagpur routes." Flash charging: High hopes and challenges EKA Mobility, a unit of Pinnacle Mobility Solutions Ltd, will manufacture the buses at its Pune facility. Rohit Srivastava, chief growth officer at EKA, said the company is developing 'an indigenous platform of electric buses with Ultra Fast opportunity charging technology popularly known as 'Flash' charging." 'This type of charging allows buses to get charged up within 20-120 seconds depending upon battery capacity. This eliminates longer duration time for battery top-ups and provides efficient, sustainable public transport," Srivastava said in an email. Read this | Why battery swapping for EVs remains a non-starter in India The buses will rely on an overhead pantograph system — similar to electric trains — that connects the charger unit to the bus each time it halts at a station, Srivastava said. 'EKA Bus is equipped with advanced Lithium ion battery technology suitable for pantograph charging." The EKA buses are expected to be 18 meters long, with total capacity for 130 passengers, Srivastava said. EKA Mobility declined to disclose the per-unit cost of the electric buses or the associated infrastructure. Industry research firm Mordor Intelligence estimates the global bus pantograph charger market at $3.47 billion currently, projecting it to grow to $10.43 billion by 2030. The pilot comes alongside India's broader electric mobility push. Under the PM E-Drive scheme, the government aims to put more than 14,000 electric buses on the road in select cities by FY26, with an outlay of ₹4,391 crore. The programme offers subsidies of ₹10,000 per kilowatt-hour of battery capacity, with total subsidies per bus ranging between ₹20 lakh and ₹35 lakh depending on vehicle size. The companies also declined to specify the exact battery chemistry used. According to information on Hitachi's website, the Japanese technology firm has previously deployed its pantograph-based 'Grid-eMotion® Flash" system in Geneva, Switzerland. Read this | Electric bus makers Tata Motors, PMI Elctro, JBM Auto set for a joyride as Delhi eyes full fleet electrification Siemens declined to share specific project details but said it was engaged with multiple stakeholders. 'Siemens is committed to supporting the Government of India in establishing world-class infrastructure aligned with its visionary goals of Viksit Bharat 2047 and achieving Net Zero by 2070," a Siemens spokesperson in response to Mint's email query. Email queries to Tata Motors Ltd, Hitachi India Ltd, and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways remained unanswered till press time. While several Indian cities already operate electric buses for intra-city routes, the government hopes this new intercity model will encourage more travellers to shift from private cars to public transport for regional trips. 'The plan is to make these buses not only a technological showcase but also ergonomically state-of the art with airplane-like seating, personal entertainment system and food service by uniformed bus crew," said the person cited earlier. 'The aim is to encourage people to take up public transport in a larger way." If the pilot succeeds, the buses are likely to operate under a public-private partnership model, the second person said. Experts say the pilot could mark a crucial step in India's push to decarbonize long-distance transport, provided the technology can scale. 'The move to develop intercity electric buses with flash charging is a meaningful step forward," said Nikhil Dhaka, vice president - public policy at consulting firm Primus Partners. 'Our analysis shows India needs to deploy close to 20,000 electric buses each year to stay on track for its 2030/2050 targets. If flash charging can top up a bus in 30 seconds, it could remove one of the biggest constraints in long-distance electric travel." India's broader electric mobility goals include cutting oil imports, improving urban air quality and reaching net zero emissions by 2070. Also read | Electric three-wheelers and e-rickshaws could soon be rated like cars. Here's why it matters 'Electrifying public transport is one of the most effective ways to cut air pollution, reduce oil dependence, and meet India's climate goals," Dhaka said. 'Buses are well-suited for electrification because they run fixed routes, carry many passengers, and operate daily." The government is also considering a plan to fully indigenize the technology for nationwide deployment, the second person added.
Entrepreneur
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Entrepreneur
EKA Mobility Raises INR 200 Cr from ENAM Holdings
The startup plans to utilise the capital to expand its manufacturing infrastructure, including the setup of three plants. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Pune-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer EKA Mobility has raised INR 200 crore from private equity firm ENAM Holdings in a major funding round that sets the company on course to achieve unicorn status. The investment, raised via convertible preference shares, will be used to bolster the company's manufacturing capabilities, according to founder and Chairman Sudhir Mehta. "This fundraise marks a significant milestone in our journey," Mehta said. "Based on our internal targets, we believe this will elevate EKA to unicorn status in the near future." The startup plans to utilise the capital to expand its manufacturing infrastructure, including the setup of three plants. Two facilities are already operational—one in Pune, currently in phase one of its bus production, and another in Chakan. A third plant is under construction in Madhya Pradesh, expected to go live by year-end. "The new plant will dramatically increase our monthly production capacity," Mehta noted. "We're targeting up to 5,000 vehicles per month in phases from this facility." Over the next two years, EKA Mobility aims to roll out an expansive portfolio of commercial EVs, from compact three-seaters to 125-seater buses, and goods carriers ranging from half-tonne to 55-tonne models. "We aim to offer the largest commercial electric vehicle portfolio in the country," said Mehta. "This includes both passenger and goods transport solutions tailored for India's growing EV ecosystem." EKA currently holds an order book of 3,000 buses, primarily from state transport departments and private fleet operators. The company plans to deliver between 2,000 and 2,500 buses in the current financial year. Looking ahead, EKA will ramp up production to 1,000 buses per month by next year. Amid global supply chain concerns, Mehta acknowledged challenges in sourcing rare earth magnets—essential for EV motors. "It's a concern because China dominates this segment," he said. "We are actively engaging with the government as part of an industry-wide effort to ensure long-term supply security."
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Christy Mathai, Fund Manager- Equity, Quantum AMC
Let's start with your personal story How did you land up in this job? Live Events Which funds are you currently managing? What is your investment philosophy and how would you describe your strategy? What motivates you while managing other people's money? I hail from Palakkad in Kerala, but thanks to my parents' postings in the armed forces, I ended up changing schools 6–7 times across the country. While it was challenging at the time, it gave me early exposure to diverse cultures, languages, and people—something I deeply value school, I pursued engineering. A standout experience was my internship with the Mumbai Monorail project—India's first attempt at this form of urban transport. It offered a real-world view of infrastructure planning and execution, and it was here that I first came across financial concepts like project viability and IRR (Internal Rate of Return). Post engineering, I joined TCS and worked at CRL (Computational Research Laboratories), which developed 'EKA'—the 4th fastest supercomputer in the world at the time. It was used by ISRO during the Chandrayaan mission. Working with professionals across fields on cutting-edge applications like weather modelling, drug discovery, and Formula 1 simulations was incredibly this time, I became increasingly curious about what makes companies and management teams succeed. Conversations with colleagues who actively invested in equities pushed me to explore further. I started taking finance courses and enrolled in the CFA program to build a structured strengthen this interest, I pursued an MBA in Finance from IMT Ghaziabad. My internship during the MBA introduced me to value investing through two mentors whose guidance shaped my thinking. That experience was pivotal—and it eventually led me to begin my investing career at internship experience in value investing reaffirmed my desire to pursue investing as a full-time career. Around the same time, I discovered that my father had been a long-term investor with Quantum AMC and appreciated its long-term, disciplined investment approach. I also admired Quantum's thought leaders like Ajit Dayal and I. V. Subramaniam (Subbu).As luck would have it, Quantum Advisors —the parent company of Quantum AMC—was hiring around the time I was completing my MBA. I joined the Emerging Markets (EM) team, where I covered sectors like Indian IT services, Chinese internet, and Asian semiconductors. I had the privilege of being mentored by Aureole Foong and Francisco Alzuru—industry veterans in global value investing. Working with them helped me gain a deeper understanding of how industries evolve across geographies and the importance of global time, I transitioned to tracking additional sectors, constructing portfolios, and eventually began focusing exclusively on the Indian equity market.I currently manage the Quantum Value Fund and the Quantum ELSS Tax Saver the funds follow a disciplined value investing approach—focusing on fundamentally sound companies available at a discount to their intrinsic value. While our Value Fund is a diversified, benchmark-agnostic equity fund, ELSS Tax Saver Fund combines long-term investing with tax-saving benefits under the ELSS investment philosophy is straightforward: we aim to invest in stocks of companies trading at a minimum 25% discount to their fair or intrinsic value. Often, these opportunities arise because the market is fixated on short-term disappointments, while we take a long-term perspective. However, every investment must meet our rigorous filters of corporate governance, liquidity , and estimate fair value, we focus on what we believe are the company's normalised earnings two years ahead. We have a large team covering various sectors and we spend considerable time understanding and analysing that. A visible catalyst—something that can help the stock move toward its intrinsic value—is also a stock approaches its fair value, we may consider trimming or exiting the position, unless there is a material change in its earnings trajectory. As a result, in a bull market, we may end up holding cash because many stocks hit our sell thresholds and there are new ideas to deploy. In a bear market , however, we may be fully portfolio is benchmark-agnostic and has a large-cap tilt due to our liquidity filters. It is a fairly concentrated portfolio with characteristics like valuation, growth, and dividend yield reflecting a clear value bias.A mutual fund is an excellent vehicle to help investors reach their long-term financial goals. Managing other people's money is both a privilege and a responsibility. I see it as stewardship—something that must be approached with care, discipline, and a long-term mindset.
