Praj Industries, a global leader in bioeconomy solutions, has named Ashish Gaikwad as Managing Director-Designate, effective February 3, 2025. This announcement signals an important phase in the company’s growth.
Mr Gaikwad will succeed Shishir Joshipura, who is set to complete his tenure as CEO & MD on June 30, 2025. To ensure a smooth transition, Mr Gaikwad will work closely with Mr Joshipura and the leadership team in the coming months, ensuring the continuity of Praj’s strategic objectives.
With over 34 years of experience in industrial automation, digitalization, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and autonomous manufacturing, Mr Gaikwad brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) in Electrical & Electronics from BITS Pilani, India. Before joining Praj, he served as Managing Director of Honeywell Automation India Ltd. for more than seven years, leading operations across India, Southeast Asia, Asia Pacific, and the USA in various leadership roles.
Dr Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman of Praj Industries, commented on the appointment: “We are excited to welcome Ashish Gaikwad to Praj. His vast industry experience and global leadership will be key in driving our innovation-driven growth strategy. Under his leadership, Praj will continue to move forward with its mission of creating a sustainable bioeconomy.”
Praj Industries, India’s leading industrial biotech company, has been at the forefront of innovations in the environment, energy, and agri-processing sectors for over 40 years. The company has a global footprint, with over 1,000 customers in more than 100 countries.
Praj’s flagship platforms, Bio-Mobility® and Bio-Prism®, are central to its contributions to the global bioeconomy, offering renewable transportation fuel technology solutions and renewable chemicals and materials technologies. Praj’s state-of-the-art R&D facility, Praj Matrix, supports its mission of advancing a clean energy-based bioeconomy. The company’s portfolio spans Bio-energy solutions, critical process equipment, breweries, zero liquid discharge systems, and high purity water systems. Praj is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and is listed on the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges of India.
