KANCHAN KUMAR

CEO/COO/Managing Director/Country Head/Business Head/Operation and Engineering Head
Male37 y/oCEO/President/General Manager/VP of Operations/Chief Operating Officer/CMO/CTO/CIO/VP of Technology/Head of branch/representative office/Assistant General Manager/General Assistant (Executive Level)/Other senior management/Vice President/Deputy General Manager/Sales representative/Customer Representative/Key Account Sales/BD Manager/Commercial Director/Sales Director/Regional Sales Director/Country Manager/Sales Operations/General Manager of Sales/Vice President of Sales/Marketing Director/Supply Chain Director/Logistics Director/Warehouse Management/Purchasing Director/Strategic Planning/Management/Product Director/Product VP/CPO/Automotive product planning/Mechanical product planning/Industrial/Product Design/Automotive R&D/Project Management/Production Project Management/Energy Project Management/PMO/Project Director/Factory Director/Chief Production Engineer/Deputy Chief Engineer/Production Director/Manager/Smart Manufacturing Management/Factory Affairs/Environmental/Health/Safety Management/Quality Management Director/Manager/SupervisorLive in IndiaNationality India
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Summary

With extensive experience across the EV, Energy, Mobility, Automotive, and Auto-Components sectors, I bring a proven record of launching innovative products, scaling operations, and driving sustainable business growth. I have worked with Gogoro as Sr. Director and Board Director — a Taiwanese global leader in Smart Electric Vehicles, Smart Batteries, and Battery-Swapping Infrastructure & Technology — and with Revolt Motors as Deputy General Manager, India’s pioneer in electric motorcycles. In these roles, I successfully led the launch of electric motorcycles, scooters, battery manufacturing units, battery-swapping infrastructure, and EV/ICE components for both B2B and B2C markets. A seasoned leader with nearly 15 years of international experience across India, Taiwan, Germany, Japan, and the USA, I possess proven expertise in two-wheeler manufacturing, plant operations, product engineering, and business expansion. I have demonstrated success in greenfield plant setups, quality systems, sales and after-sales development, dealer network expansion, battery-swapping infrastructure, exports, and P&L management. I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with top global OEMs including Zero Electric, Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Polaris, TVS, and other renowned two-wheeler manufacturers at their HQs (US, Taiwan, Japan) — collaborating with their key engineering and management teams to drive technology transfer, product optimization, and global partnership development. My expertise spans R&D and Engineering, Manufacturing and Production, Supply Chain and Procurement, Import-Export, Factory and Business Operations/Expansion, HR Operations, Product Standardization, and Certification — with full P&L ownership, new business expansion, and go-to-market leadership. As COO at Centaq (Hong Kong/India), I have driven operational excellence across global markets, managing P&L, sales expansion, and cross-functional teams, while optimizing costs and improving profitability. Beyond product and operational leadership, I have built strategic partnerships with suppliers, regulators, and investors to strengthen business performance and ensure compliance across global operations. I take pride in building high-performing teams, establishing scalable systems, and positioning products competitively in both domestic and international markets. With a global perspective, deep technical expertise, and a strong record of business transformation, I am confident in my ability to contribute to any organization’s vision of achieving leadership in sustainable mobility and advanced manufacturing.

Work experience

  • Chief Operating Officer

    Centaq/Fotografik, Hong Kong/India
    2024.01-Current(2 years)
    As COO, I drive operational excellence across the organization, working closely with the CEO and executive team to ensure AI technologies are delivered efficiently, ethically, and at scale. I oversee the company’s P&L and lead all functions, including Business Development, HR, Finance, Production/Delivery, Technology, Legal & Compliance, Procurement, IT, Marketing, and Overseas Sales, ensuring cross-functional alignment and execution. Key Responsibilities Strategic Operations: • Translate business objectives into scalable operational strategies. • Lead operational planning, execution, and continuous improvement. • Partner with the CEO on product development and go-to-market strategies. Cross-Functional Leadership: • Coordinate across AI/ML research, engineering, product, and business units. • Operationalize AI innovations into deliverable products and services. • Enhance collaboration and reduce friction between teams. AI Infrastructure & Delivery: • Oversee AI infrastructure, model lifecycle, and deployment processes. • Ensure AI systems are scalable, maintainable, and secure. • Manage vendor relationships, including cloud providers and data partners. Compliance & Risk: • Ensure compliance with data privacy, AI ethics, and legal regulations. • Implement governance frameworks to manage risk in AI deployment. • Monitor model performance, bias, and drift in collaboration with technical leads. Financial & Resource Management: • Own budgeting, resource planning, and operational forecasting. • Track and optimize compute resources, staffing, and project delivery costs. • Drive operational efficiencies using automation and data insights. Team Leadership & Culture: • Hire, mentor, and grow operations and delivery teams. • Build a high-performance, agile, mission-aligned company culture. • Establish KPIs and accountability systems to ensure operational success. Key Achievements: • Reduced operational expenses by 34% in one quarter through strategic cash flow optimization and expense control initiatives. • Increased profitability by launching new business lines and enhancing operational efficiency via reduced downtime and improved delivery performance. • Deployed engineering teams on-site to proactively resolve quality issues, resulting in faster issue resolution and improved customer satisfaction. • Strengthened the marketing function by restructuring the team and expanding capabilities to support a diversified business portfolio and new market entry. • Scaled the technology team with a focus on emerging technologies and innovation, positioning the company ahead of competitors with solution-oriented, future-ready products
  • Senior Director & Board Director

    Gogoro India Pvt. Ltd., Taiwan HQ
    2022.07-2024.10(2 years)
    Significant Highlights & Achievements: • Established New Business Entities: Successfully launched and expanded operations for scooters, batteries, and battery-swapping stations in India, including setting up manufacturing facilities. • Led Electric Vehicle Launches: Directed design, development, testing, certification, and market launch of electric scooters and motorcycles for domestic and international export markets. • Comprehensive Expertise in Business Operations: 14+ years of experience in P&L management, business development, end-to-end operations, product design, homologation, certification, strategic sourcing, global supply chain management, and costing across EV 2W, 3W, and ICE segments. • Strategic Program & Project Management: Managed vehicle programs from concept to full-scale production, specializing in powertrain, transmission, and driveline systems for conventional, hybrid, mild hybrid, and electric vehicles. • Business and Strategic Planning: Formulated strategic plans, led multiple business units, and managed teams from conception to execution, focusing on customer needs, budgeting, costing, and engineering team mentoring. • Project Leadership & Execution: Oversaw multimillion-dollar projects, including establishing EV divisions, managing R&D, manufacturing, sales & marketing, and delivering products on time for domestic and export markets. • Vehicle Design & Procurement Expertise: Skilled in end-to-end vehicle design for electric and conventional vehicles; proficient in procurement, vendor evaluation, and cost control. • Client Relationship & Negotiation Skills: Built strong client relationships, established company goals, sales targets, and policies to drive growth and revenue. • Established Gogoro India Entity: Successfully set up office, factory, R&D, team, supply chain, procurement, production, QA, logistics, certification, and licenses from inception to product launch. • Localized Vehicle Design for Market Optimization: Spearheaded localization of vehicle designs, enhancing performance, efficiency, and reducing overall vehicle costs. • Strategic Manpower Planning & Staff Management: Optimized staffing levels and skill mix, effectively organizing assignments to maximize efficiency and productivity. • Project Review, Optimization & Troubleshooting: Conducted design and process reviews, ensuring robustness, manufacturability, and successful project outcomes. • Regulatory Compliance & Homologation: Oversaw ARAI, ICAT, and BIS certification, ensuring adherence to regulatory and safety standards. • Government Liaison & Policy Development: Collaborated with government and regulatory bodies to influence EV, battery, and battery-swapping policies, shaping industry standards. • Entity Setup & Licensing Compliance: Facilitated factory licensing and approvals (MSME, DPIIT, IEC, Vahan Portal, WMI), ensuring legal and regulatory compliance. • Project Planning with MS Project: Managed timelines, milestones, and resource allocation for complex engineering and manufacturing projects. • Vendor Management & Issue Resolution: Audited and approved suppliers, resolving issues to ensure smooth operations and quality adherence. • Operational & Budget Management: Established operational and CAPEX budgets, ensuring cost control and profitability. • Mentoring & Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Guided program management, R&D, business development, manufacturing, purchasing, and supplier teams, fostering collaboration and achieving business objectives. • Human Resource Management & Development: Managed recruitment, performance appraisal, training, and career development, building high-performing teams aligned with organizational goals
  • Deputy General Manager

    Revolt Intellicorp Pvt. Ltd., India
    2020.01-2022.01(2 years)
    Key Achievements & Leadership Highlights • Successfully designed, developed, launched, and scaled India’s first electric motorcycles – Revolt RV400 and RV300 – for both B2B and B2C markets, driving Revolt’s market debut and brand establishment. • Led end-to-end Operations and R&D for electric scooters and motorcycles, overseeing vehicle design, simulation, development, validation, and testing from concept to production readiness. • Supported procurement and production teams in part/tooling selection, costing, and CAPEX optimization, ensuring lean and efficient manufacturing. • Directed and mentored cross-functional engineering teams in design, testing, and validation to achieve on-time project delivery and high-quality outcomes. • Drove projects from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with customer needs, technical targets, and strategic milestones. • Localized vehicle design and supply chain, enhancing performance, cost efficiency, and adaptability to Indian road and climatic conditions. • Planned and managed engineering manpower, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring balanced workload across multiple concurrent projects. • Conducted design reviews and optimization using GD&T, DFMEA, DVP&R, DFA, DFS, and DFM, ensuring design robustness and manufacturability. • Ensured full regulatory compliance and homologation of RV400 and RV300 at ARAI and ICAT, enabling smooth market entry. • Executed comprehensive project plans using MS Project, maintaining visibility, accountability, and schedule adherence. • Developed and implemented innovative production and quality processes, elevating operational efficiency and product excellence. • Audited and onboarded vendors, ensuring high-quality standards and proactive issue resolution to maintain production continuity. • Managed operational budgets covering manpower and equipment, delivering cost-effective results and resource optimization. • Mentored program management teams and collaborated with manufacturing, purchasing, and suppliers to drive strategic goals. • Engaged directly with clients and partners for trial installations, technical validation, and solution deployment, ensuring cost, safety, and time compliance. • Led cross-functional teams (CFTs) to achieve technical, operational, and business objectives, fostering ownership and accountability. • Oversaw HR operations including recruitment, performance appraisal, and training, developing strong, motivated engineering teams.
  • Head - Business & Operation (EV and 2W)

    J.K. Fenner (India) Ltd.
    2018.01-2020.01(2 years)
    Significant Highlights • Innovation & Business Roadmap for EV Segment: Identified best-in-class technologies among competitors and developed innovative business roadmaps for 2W, 3W, and 4W electric vehicles, enhancing market positioning and enabling future growth. • End-to-End Turnkey Project Management: Directed and supervised projects from conceptualization through production to successful sales, ensuring seamless execution and high customer satisfaction. • Leadership in P&L Management: Managed profit and loss for the EV business, establishing operational budgets for personnel and equipment, driving financial efficiency and performance. Comprehensive EV Project Management: • Managed projects across the full EV lifecycle, from conception through pre-production to completion and sales. Integrated customer feedback, planned critical milestones, conducted rigorous technical and project reviews, and provided operational and commercial mentoring. Strategic Product & Program Leadership: • Led product development, engineering, account management, and program management efforts. Fostered strong partnerships with manufacturing, purchasing, and suppliers to optimize operational efficiency and deliver superior outcomes. Market Research & Customer Requirements Analysis: • Conducted in-depth market research and analysed customer requirements to guide strategic initiatives, expand market share, and enhance customer satisfaction. Powertrain & Transmission Expertise: • Directed design, simulation, development, and testing of engine and electric powertrain systems, including electric, hybrid, mild hybrid, and conventional technologies. • Managed key components such as E-Axles, traction modules, hub motors, BLDC motors, and transmission systems (CVT & ECVT drives). Engineering Review, Optimization & Troubleshooting: • Conducted meticulous design reviews, optimized drivetrain systems, and resolved complex technical issues to ensure robust performance and reliability. Materials & BOM Management: • Managed material selection and prepared detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs) using CAD tools to ensure accuracy and compliance with specifications. Advanced GD&T Application: • Applied Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) principles rigorously to verify and validate 2D drawings for precision and quality. Risk Management & Quality Assurance: • Implemented Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R) processes to mitigate risks and ensure adherence to quality standards. Vendor & Supply Chain Management: • Managed vendor relationships to ensure timely production of parts and assemblies, resolving issues promptly to maintain project schedules and quality standards. Customer Engagement & Technical Support: • Collaborated with customers and support agencies, providing expert technical guidance, trial installations, and solutions to complex inquiries to enhance satisfaction and loyalty. Continuous Improvement & Progress Reporting: • Initiated continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product design, performance, and efficiency. Compiled and presented professional progress reports to management and clients. Testing & Validation Oversight: • Supervised the compilation and review of test qualification schedules and reports, ensuring rigorous testing procedures to meet safety, cost, and timeline requirements. Technical Calculations & Problem Solving: • Conducted detailed stress and weight calculations, applying technical expertise to resolve challenges and optimize product designs for superior performance and durability.
  • Section Head

    Endurance Technologies Ltd.
    2016.01-2018.01(2 years)
    Significant Highlights & Key Expertise • Leadership in Engineering & Team Management: Directed and supervised multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensuring seamless cross-functional collaboration and alignment with marketing and business objectives. Mentored teams to deliver high-quality outputs while fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. • Innovation Roadmaps & Technology Integration: Spearheaded the evaluation and adoption of cutting-edge technologies, developing strategic innovation roadmaps to enhance product offerings and maintain competitive advantage. • Strategic Budget & Resource Management: Established and managed operational budgets for personnel and equipment, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring cost-effective execution across projects. • Comprehensive Project Lifecycle Management: Led projects from concept to pre-production and market delivery, integrating customer feedback, planning critical milestones, conducting technical reviews, and providing mentoring to project teams. • Holistic Product Development & Program Management: Oversaw product development, account management, system engineering, and program management, building collaborative partnerships with manufacturing, procurement, and suppliers to ensure operational excellence and innovative product solutions. • Market Research & Customer Analysis: Conducted in-depth market research and analyzed customer requirements to identify growth opportunities, tailor product solutions, and increase market share. • Powertrain & Transmission Expertise: Designed, simulated, developed, and tested powertrain and transmission systems across conventional, electric, hybrid, and mild-hybrid platforms, specializing in DCT, CVT & ECVT drives, transmission clutches, and system calibration. • Design Review, Optimization & Risk Management: Applied advanced GD&T, DFMEA, and DVP&R methodologies to verify and optimize designs, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with quality standards. • Vendor Management & Supply Chain Coordination: Managed vendor relationships, streamlined production schedules, and ensured timely delivery of components and assemblies, maintaining high quality and operational efficiency. • Customer Engagement & Technical Support: Provided technical guidance, conducted trial installations, and resolved complex issues to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. • Continuous Improvement & Performance Reporting: Initiated process improvements, enhanced product performance and efficiency, and compiled comprehensive progress reports for management and clients. • Testing & Validation Oversight: Supervised the preparation and review of test qualification schedules and reports, ensuring rigorous testing to meet safety, cost, and timeline objectives. Significant Highlights & Key Expertise • Leadership in Engineering & Team Management: Directed and supervised multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensuring seamless cross-functional collaboration and alignment with marketing and business objectives. Mentored teams to deliver high-quality outputs while fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. • Innovation Roadmaps & Technology Integration: Spearheaded the evaluation and adoption of cutting-edge technologies, developing strategic innovation roadmaps to enhance product offerings and maintain competitive advantage. • Strategic Budget & Resource Management: Established and managed operational budgets for personnel and equipment, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring cost-effective execution across projects. • Comprehensive Project Lifecycle Management: Led projects from concept to pre-production and market delivery, integrating customer feedback, planning critical milestones, conducting technical reviews, and providing mentoring to project teams. • Holistic Product Development & Program Management: Oversaw product development, account management, system engineering, and program management, building collaborative partnerships with manufacturing, procurement, and suppliers to ensure operational excellence and innovative product solutions. • Market Research & Customer Analysis: Conducted in-depth market research and analyzed customer requirements to identify growth opportunities, tailor product solutions, and increase market share. • Powertrain & Transmission Expertise: Designed, simulated, developed, and tested powertrain and transmission systems across conventional, electric, hybrid, and mild-hybrid platforms, specializing in DCT, CVT & ECVT drives, transmission clutches, and system calibration. • Design Review, Optimization & Risk Management: Applied advanced GD&T, DFMEA, and DVP&R methodologies to verify and optimize designs, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with quality standards. • Vendor Management & Supply Chain Coordination: Managed vendor relationships, streamlined production schedules, and ensured timely delivery of components and assemblies, maintaining high quality and operational efficiency. • Customer Engagement & Technical Support: Provided technical guidance, conducted trial installations, and resolved complex issues to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. • Continuous Improvement & Performance Reporting: Initiated process improvements, enhanced product performance and efficiency, and compiled comprehensive progress reports for management and clients. • Testing & Validation Oversight: Supervised the preparation and review of test qualification schedules and reports, ensuring rigorous testing to meet safety, cost, and timeline objectives.
  • Asst Manager-Techno-Commercial

    Gates Unita India (Gates Corporation - USA)
    2011.01-2016.01(5 years)
    Key Product Areas & Technical Expertise • Electric Powertrain & Transmission Systems: Extensive experience in design, simulation, development, and testing of engine powertrain, drivetrain, and driveline systems across conventional, electric, hybrid, and mild-hybrid platforms. Specialized in CVT & ECVT drive systems, engine powertrain FEAD (ABDS & SBDS), primary and secondary motorcycle drive systems, cam drives, bicycle drives, belts, tensioners (auto, hydraulic), idlers, alternator isolator DE couplers (AID), engine belt integrated start-stop systems, pulleys, gears, calibration of engine drives and transmission systems. • Simulation & Validation Expertise: Proficient in CAE, NVH, and advanced simulation techniques to optimize performance, reliability, and efficiency. • Market & Segment Exposure: Experienced in two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and four-wheeler segments, with exposure to India, USA, Japan, and Taiwan markets. • Turnkey Operations & End-to-End Management: Proven capability to manage complete business operations including engineering/R&D, product development, manufacturing, and international supply chain. Skilled in identifying and developing relationships with optimal domestic and global suppliers to ensure high-quality sourcing and efficient production. • Program & Project Management: Strong tactical, strategic, and technical expertise in program and project management. Successfully executed multiple OEM projects (domestic & global) from concept through production, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, cost targets, and timelines. • Business & Strategic Planning: Experienced in managing multiple businesses, preparing strategic plans, and leading cross-functional teams. Proficient in capturing customer feedback, budgeting, cost optimization, conducting technical and project reviews, and mentoring engineering and technical teams. • End-to-End Supply Chain & Operational Excellence: Skilled in sourcing, procurement, production planning, and supply chain optimization for both domestic and international operations, ensuring seamless delivery and high operational efficiency.

Educational experience

  • Bharat University, Chennai

    Automobile Engineering
    2014.07-2017.07(3 years)
    Automobile Engineering
  • Madras University

    Operations Management
    2012.01-2013.12(2 years)
    Operations Management
  • Anna University, Chennai

    Mechanical Engineering
    2007.06-2010.06(3 years)
    Mechanical Engineering

Languages

Bengali
Good
Urdu
Good
Hindi
Native
English
Proficient
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