Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced the appointment of Ravi K as its new Director (Operations). He will oversee strategic and functional planning, capacity optimization, capability enhancement, and the implementation of an upgraded IT framework across the company.
Ravi K previously served as Executive Director (Corporate Planning) at HAL and brings over 30 years of experience in various sectors. His academic background includes a degree in Mechanical Engineering and advanced management studies at IIM Ahmedabad and IAS Toulouse, France.
During his tenure in the fixed-wing division at HAL, Ravi K played a key role in operationalizing the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fleet for the Indian Air Force (IAF). He led the negotiation of a Rs 36,000 crore contract in 2021 for the supply of 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft and contributed to discussions on an additional 97 aircraft order for the IAF.
Under his leadership, HAL established production facilities with an annual capacity of 16 LCA units and delivered the first twin-seater LCA aircraft. Ravi K also spearheaded efforts to increase indigenous content in the LCA program and worked with private partners for outsourcing major fuselage assemblies.
As Executive Director and General Manager of the LCA Tejas Division, he introduced initiatives to improve fleet serviceability and established a seamless communication system with IAF bases, including a single point of contact model for customer issues.
Looking ahead, Ravi K aims to expand HAL’s presence in international markets and address challenges in supply chain management, technology, and digital transformation, according to a company press release.