Ashish Gaikwad to lead Honeywell businesses in India

NEW DELHI: Honeywell Automation India Limited today announced that Ashish Gaikwad has been appointed as its managing director effective October 1, 2016. Gaikwad succeeds Vikas Chadha, who was recently named president, Honeywell India.

Speaking about the appointment, Suresh Senapaty , chairman, HAIL, said, “HAIL has a 25-year legacy in India, in developing and manufacturing technologies that serve a diverse and extensive customer base across verticals including oil and gas, power, metals, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, mining, infrastructure, IT/ITeS, telecom, banking, healthcare, hospitality, automobiles, defense, aerospace, transportation, and the residential sector. With more than 25 years of experience in automation, control, and advanced software applications in the process industry, Ashish will strategically lead HAIL to continued growth in the region, and strengthen the brand and its equity with customers and other key stakeholders.”

Vikas Chadha , president, Honeywell India, said, “This appointment is a testimony of the maturity and depth of Honeywell’s leadership pipeline and focus on building talent from within. Ashish has successfully driven the growth of the Advanced Solutions business for the Asia Pacific region. With his hands-on knowledge of the latest in automation and control solutions, including software solutions, digital transformation, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and his understanding of the Indian market, I am confident Ashish will take HAIL to new heights.”

Gaikwad joined Honeywell in 1992 and has progressed through roles of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as general manager for the Advanced Solutions business for the Asia Pacific region within Honeywell Process Solutions. He brings to the role a successful track record from a career spanning more than 26 years with a mix of operations, sales, strategic marketing, and general management. Gaikwad has a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani.

“Not only is India among our top high growth regions globally, it is expected to contribute significantly to Honeywell’s global growth for years to come. With seven state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and five technology development centers, a lot of Honeywell’s software engineering and product development capabilities are also right here. So, it is a great time for me to take on this responsibility in India, especially as Honeywell continues its evolution as a cyber-industrial company. I’m looking forward to driving HAIL forward, and to serving our customers with some of the world’s leading technologies," said Gaikwad.

HAIL is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), and offers integrated industrial process automation and control solutions for oil and gas and other industries; environmental and energy solutions; building solutions; and sensing and productivity solutions for homes, and industrial and commercial facilities; global manufacturing; and global services.

HAIL was established in 1987 with its manufacturing, design, and engineering facilities located in Pune. The company is a leader in providing integrated automation and software solutions, with close to 3,000 employees based in nine offices across India – Bangalore, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Jamshedpur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, and Vadodara. HAIL also has the unique distinction of being one of the first automation companies in India to be awarded dual certification of ISO:14001 and OHSAS:18001.