Ex-Tata Motors vice-chairman becomes president of university’s Indian alumni network

A former vice-chairman of Tata Motors has become the new president of Aston University’s Indian alumni network.

Dr Ravi Kant has more than 50 years senior level experience.

He became the Indian auto firm’s managing director in 2005 and in 2009 he became the non-executive vice -chairman till 2014.

He is credited with the company’s takeover and turnaround of Jaguar Land Rover bought from Ford in 2008. Prior to this role he was a director on the board of Philips India.

Dr Kant graduated from Aston University in 1970 with a masters in industrial metallurgy management techniques and in 2008 he received an honorary doctorate.

He is one of the University’s 2,600 graduates in India, who are represented by a formal alumni network which operates digitally via WhatsApp.

It was established in 2022 and as most graduates live in major cities, launch events were held in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. 

Following a restructure Dr Kant was named as the new president and was officially inaugurated with Dr Gaurav Brahmbhatt as vice-president on Monday 17 February in Mumbai. 

Dr Kant said: “Aston University is an institution which is forward looking and pragmatic. It embraces diversity, encourages excellence and was pivotal in shaping my early career. 

“I am very proud to be inaugurated as the first president of the Aston University alumni network of India. I look forward to working with Dr Gaurav Brahmbhatt and the alumni leadership team in India to make an impact in the region.”

Also attending the event was Professor Osama Khan, Aston University’s deputy vice-chancellor (academic) who added: “Thanks to Ravi Kant and Gaurav Brahmbhatt for leading the chapter as the president and vice-president respectively.

“It is energising to see the development in Mumbai but more importantly the growth mindset of our Indian alumni.

“The Aston Alumni Community India chapter has a solid structure for truly engaging our alumni community with Aston University’s 2030 strategy and beyond.”

As well as holding an honorary doctorate, Dr Kant contributes to the University’s BJ Meadows’ alumni scholarship programme which sponsors students at Aston University.

In 2024 Aston University’s vice-chancellor and chief executive Professor Aleks Subic hosted the launch of Dr Kant’s book Leading from the Back to Achieve the Impossible.

Pictured: Dr Ravi Kanta and Professor Osama Khan