Leadership Team

DR. ABHAY FIRODIA

Dr. Abhay Firodia is a prominent industrialist and a key figure in the Indian automobile industry. He is the Chairman of Force Motors Limited- India’s largest manufacturer of vans and a fully integrated automobile company specializing in the design, development, and production of vehicles, aggregates, and critical automotive components. With over 10,000 employees, five manufacturing plants across India, and a cutting-edge R&D centre in Pune, Force Motors is a key player in both domestic and international markets.

Continuing the legacy of his late father, Shri Navalmal Kundanmal Firodia, who was a freedom fighter, industrialist, and philanthropist, Dr. Firodia is also the Group Chairman of the Dr. Abhay Firodia Group of Companies- one of India’s pioneering industrial houses with a strong focus on the automotive and manufacturing sectors. Founded by Shri N. K. Firodia in 1948, the Group is inspired by his vision of providing affordable and reliable mobility for the masses. Today, under the guidance of Dr. Abhay Firodia, the Group has evolved into a diversified engineering conglomerate with an enterprise value in excess of ₹46,000 crore and has an active workforce of over 16,000 employees.

The Group’s portfolio includes its flagship company Force Motors Limited, Jaya Hind Industries Private Limited, and Jaya Hind International B.V. The Group is also actively involved in social development through the Shri Firodia Trust, which supports initiatives in healthcare, education, and cultural preservation.

Leadership and Career

Dr. Abhay Firodia joined the board of Force Motors in 1975 and served as the Managing Director until 2009 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Dr. Abhay Firodia Group, which includes:

• Force Motors Limited
• Jaya Hind Industries Pvt. Ltd.
• Jaya Hind Industries B.V.
• Force MTU Power Systems Pvt. Ltd.

Contributions to Industry

Dr. Firodia has played a significant role in shaping the Indian automobile sector and has held several prestigious positions in leading industry bodies & organizations, including:

• President, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) (2017–2018, 1990–1992)
• President, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC)
• President, Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries & Agriculture (MCCIA) (2010–2012)
• President, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) (1981–1982)
• President, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)

Through these thought leadership roles, he has contributed to strengthening India's automotive industry landscape, thereby fostering international collaborations and advocating for industry advancements.

Social and Educational Commitments

Continuing his family’s tradition of societal commitment, Dr. Firodia is deeply involved in numerous philanthropic, educational, and cultural initiatives. He currently serves as:

• Chairman, Gandhi National Memorial Society, Pune
• Chairman, Regulating Council, Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute
• President, Veerayatan, a transnational social organization
• President, Ahmednagar Education Society
• Chairman, Shri Firodia Trust and Multanchand Bora Trust, focused on healthcare, education, and rural upliftment
• Chairman, Amar Prerana Trust, which operates centres like Navalveerayatan, the International School for Jain Studies (ISJS), and the Firodia Institute of Philosophy, Culture & History (FIPCH)
• Chairman, Abhay Prabhavana Trust, dedicated to fostering cultural dialogue, spiritual exploration, and preserving India’s philosophical heritage through initiatives such as the Abhay Prabhavana Museum—a space dedicated to India's rich philosophical and spiritual traditions

Honors and Awards

Dr. Abhay Firodia’s exceptional leadership, nation-building contributions, and pioneering role in the Indian automotive industry have earned him several prestigious honours and recognitions, including:

• The prestigious Punyabhushan Puraskar 2026, conferred in recognition of a lifetime of visionary leadership, entrepreneurial excellence, and enduring contribution to industry and society
• “Jain Ratna” Award, presented by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
• “Cross of the Order of Merit”, awarded by the Federal Republic of Germany for his efforts in fostering India-Germany business relations
• Honorary Doctorates, including a Doctor of Science from Rajiv Gandhi Technological University, and Doctor of Literature degrees from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth and Dr. D. Y. Patil University
• Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2016, in the Business Transformation category

Through his visionary leadership, industry contributions, and philanthropic efforts, Dr. Abhay Firodia has made an indelible mark on the Indian industrial landscape and broader society.

PRASAN FIRODIA

Mr. Prasan Firodia is a dynamic and forward-looking leader shaping the future of India’s mobility and engineering sectors. He is the Managing Director of Force Motors Limited and also serves as Director at Force MTU Power Systems Pvt. Ltd.

He represents the next generation of leadership at the Dr. Abhay Firodia Group, one of India’s pioneering automotive and engineering conglomerates. Founded in 1948 by Shri N. K. Firodia, the Group today has an estimated value exceeding ₹46,000 crore and employs over 16,000 people across its businesses.

Under Mr. Firodia’s leadership, Force Motors has strengthened its position as India’s largest van manufacturer and a fully integrated automotive company with capabilities spanning vehicle design, development, manufacturing, and aggregates. With over 10,000 employees, five manufacturing plants across India, a state-of-the-art R&D centre in Pune, and an extensive sales and service network, Force Motors has established a strong presence in both domestic and international markets.

The company’s product portfolio includes the Traveller, including the new Traveller N Range, Urbania, Monobus, Trax and Gurkha 4×4, catering to diverse mobility requirements ranging from passenger transport to defence and off-road applications. Force Motors also exports to markets across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Mr. Firodia has played a pivotal role in strengthening the Group’s longstanding Indo-German collaboration spanning over six decades. Every BMW car and SUV manufactured in India is powered by an engine produced at Force Motors’ Chennai facility, while engines and axles for all Mercedes-Benz vehicles made in India are manufactured at the company’s dedicated facility in Chakan.

Additionally, through a 51:49 joint venture with Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, Force Motors manufactures and exports MTU Series 1600 engines for power generation and rail applications, making it the only manufacturing facility in the world producing Series 1600 engines for global markets.

Mr. Firodia serves on the boards and executive committees of several leading industry bodies, including the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), SIAM, ARAI, and ALUCAST. He has also been recognised with several industry honours, including the ‘Turnaround Star of the Year’ award at the Forbes India Leadership Awards 2026 and Fortune India’s Best CEO for Commercial Vehicles in 2025.

With a strong focus on innovation, engineering excellence, and global partnerships, Mr. Prasan Firodia continues to steer Force Motors towards global leadership in mobility and manufacturing.

VALLABH BHANSHALI

Mr. Vallabh Bhanshali is the Co-founder and chairman of Enam Securities, a reputed investment house and formerly a leading investment bank. He has served on many policy making bodies including the Reserve bank of India. He is involved with many leading NGOs in fields of education, democracy, Vipassana, scientific spirituality, farmer upliftment, policy making, etc. He has produced documentaries on Bharat’s precious cultural heritage. He is a Founding member of Governing Board of India’s pioneering liberal arts University Flame and ISPP a reputed public policy educator.

Has been a devoted Vipassana meditator for over three decades and credits a lot of his success to it. Recipient of many honors he has been admitted to the Hall of Fame of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and recipient of two honorary doctorates.

Mr. Bhanshali is also a Director on the Boards of Suroop Fresh Private Limited, Indore Composite Private Limited, Indore Speciality Materials Private Limited, Enam Financial Consultants Private Limited, Enam Investment & Services Private Limited, Enam Securities Private Limited, Sarvatra Technologies Private Limited, Indore Visight Advanced Material Private Limited, Indihood Private Limited, Desh Apnayen Sahayog Foundation, Shantilal Muttha Foundation and Foundation for Liberal and Management Education.

MUKESH PATEL

An eminent Advocate and a leading International Tax Expert, Mr. Mukesh Patel enjoys close to five decades of experience as a Veteran in the legal profession, during which he has also been passionately committed to the causes of Teaching Law and promoting Tax Payer Education, both through the Print and Electronic Media.

A prolific writer and speaker, his tally of over 5,000 Weekly Columns in English and Gujarati, close to 50 editions of his Book Titles and more than 500 TV Shows on Tax and Investment Planning with leading Print and Electronic Media have come to be acknowledged as a unique and unprecedented record. In recognition of the same, he has been acclaimed with the Honour as ‘Champion of Tax Payer Education’ at the All-India Tax Congress. Closely involved with the analysis of Union Budgets since 1977, his studied and thought-provoking annual presentations are eagerly looked forward to.

He was appointed by the Government of India to serve as a Member on the Justice Easwar Committee for Simplification of the Income-tax Act, Rules and Procedures and as an Expert on the Six Member Task Force entrusted with the key assignment of drafting a New Income-Tax Law. He is a Director on the Board of a number of reputed Public Companies.

He has served as President of Ahmedabad Management Association, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Indian Red Cross Society, Indo-Japan Friendship Association and All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants.

He enjoys the honour of having been conferred with several International Awards and Recognitions, including the highest Decoration from the Emperor of Japan – ‘Order of the Rising Sun.’ In 2024, Mr. Mukesh Patel has come to be appointed as the First Honorary Consul of Japan in India.

Mr. Mukesh Patel also serves as Director on the Boards of Zydus Lifesciences Limited, Desai Foods Private Limited, Jade Blue Lifestyle India Limited, Desai Brothers Ltd, Cliantha Research Limited and Gulmohar Greens-Golf and Country Club Limited.

SONIA PRASHAR

Experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in international trade and development, Indo-European cooperation for nearly three decades. Recipient of the German Order of Merit, she is skilled in forging constructive collaborations, Strategic Business Relationships, Merger and Acquisitions, medium to large businesses.

She is graduated in Science and Education and also has a diploma in German language, MBA Essentials from London School of Economics and Political Science, UK.

Ms. Sonia Prashar is Managing Director of Nuernbergmesse India Private Limited and also Director on the Boards of Insilco Limited, Exponova Exhibitions and Conferences (India) Private Limited and Path Medical Audiology Private Limited. She is also currently serving as the Secretary General of Federation of European Business in India.

NITIN KAREER

Mr. Nitin Kareer is a retired officer of the Indian Administrative Service and former Chief Secretary to the Government of Maharashtra, with a distinguished career spanning administration, governance reform, and public finance.

He is widely recognised for his deep expertise in urban development, land records administration, and fiscal planning, having held several senior leadership positions across the state. His assignments include serving as District Collector of Sangli, Director General of Information and Public Relations, Commissioner of the Pune Municipal Corporation, and Divisional Commissioner of Pune. He has also served as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sales Tax Commissioner, and Inspector General of Registration and Settlement Commissioner.

Across these roles, Mr. Kareer has played a pivotal role in strengthening institutional capacity, driving administrative efficiency, and shaping policy frameworks that impact urban governance, revenue administration, and citizen-facing services. His career reflects a sustained commitment to public service, informed decision-making, and the effective delivery of governance at scale.

GAUTAM BAMBAWALE

Mr. Gautam Bambawale is a retired Indian diplomat of the Indian Foreign Service, with a distinguished career spanning key global assignments and strategic policy roles. He served as India’s Ambassador to China from 2017 to 2018, and earlier as the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, engaging at the forefront of complex bilateral relationships.

He was India’s first Consul General in Guangzhou, playing a pioneering role in strengthening India’s commercial, cultural, and people-to-people engagement in southern China. His career also includes serving as Director of the Indian Cultural Centre in Berlin, where he advanced India’s cultural diplomacy, and a tenure in the Prime Minister’s Office from 2002 to 2004. Between 2009 and 2014, he served as Joint Secretary for East Asia, contributing to the shaping of India’s strategic and diplomatic engagement with the region.

Over the course of his service, Mr. Bambawale has been closely involved in policy formulation, international negotiations, and the strengthening of India’s global partnerships. His work reflects a deep understanding of geopolitics, diplomacy, and cross-cultural engagement, underpinned by decades of experience representing India’s interests on the global stage.

After his retirement from Government Service, Mr. Bambawale has been a distinguished Professor at Symbiosis International University, trustee of
Pune International Centre and he is also the author of book -“Rising to the China Challenge” published in the year 2021.

LT. GEN. VINOD KHANDARE (RETD.)

Lt. Gen. Vinod Gulabrao Khandare (Retd.) is a retired officer of the Indian Army with a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades of service in national defence, strategic planning, and military intelligence. Over the course of his tenure, he has held several senior leadership and advisory roles, contributing directly to high-level decision-making on matters impacting India’s national security and strategic interests.

He served as Principal Adviser in Ministry of Defence and Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), where he provided critical assessments and strategic inputs at the apex level of government. His leadership assignments also include Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency and Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff for tri-service intelligence and handled technology like cyber, space, communication intelligence etc. Among other key operational and policy responsibilities, he also worked towards integrating multiple military and civilian initiatives. Across these roles, he has been closely involved in shaping defence strategy, international defence cooperation, intelligence coordination and joint military planning.

In recognition of his exceptional service to the nation, Lt. Gen. Vinod Gulabrao Khandare (Retd.) has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Sena Medal by the President of India. He is also a recipient of the Army Chief’s Commendation Card and the Army Commander’s Commendation Card.

His career reflects deep expertise in defence affairs, strategic analysis, and national security leadership, underpinned by decades of experience serving India at the highest levels of the armed forces. He played a major role during many crises.

PRASHANT INAMDAR

Mr. Prashant V. Inamdar began his journey with Force Motors Limited in 1984 as a Junior Engineer. Over the years, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise across various divisions.

During his tenure in Corporate Controlling, Mr. Inamdar contributed significantly to key areas such as industrial engineering, management information services, industrial relations, human resource development and SAP implementation projects. He has had the privilege of working closely with and being mentored by Dr. Abhaykumar Navalmal Firodia on several critical projects.

Following his contributions to Corporate Controlling, Mr. Inamdar transitioned to Production, starting with the Minidor Division and later overseeing the tractor production operations. A major milestone in his career was successfully establishing the Engine Shop for MAN Trucks at the Pithampur plant.

Currently, Mr. Inamdar leads the Operations activities across Force Motors’ plants in Akurdi, Pithampur, Chennai and Chakan. Additionally, he serves as a Director on the Board of Force MTU Power Systems Private Limited.