The leadership transition follows the association’s two-term limit for Management Committee positions, with Panchal continuing as a member.
Hiren Panchal, Managing Director of Apson Motor India Private Limited, has announced that he is stepping down as Founding Vice President of the Elevator & Escalator Component Manufacturers’ Association of India (EECMAI), concluding a six-year tenure.
In a statement shared on LinkedIn, Panchal said the decision follows the association’s bylaws, which limit members to two consecutive terms in a Management Committee position. He will continue his association with EECMAI as a supportive member.
Building a Collective Industry Voice
Reflecting on the association’s beginnings, Panchal recalled coming together with a small group of industry colleagues six years ago to establish a common platform for India’s elevator and escalator component manufacturers.
The founding objective, he said, was to give the sector a unified voice. Establishing the organisation involved building credibility, bringing together members with diverse perspectives and creating the foundations for its operations.
Panchal identified industry neutrality and ethical conduct as principles that guided the association through its early challenges. He credited fellow founding members, the executive committee and the wider membership with supporting its development.
A Commitment to Leadership Rotation
A central part of Panchal’s announcement concerned the governance provisions established during EECMAI’s formation.
He recalled drafting the bylaws alongside Abey George and Suraj Thodimarath, who served as Treasurer and President respectively, while he held the Vice President’s role. During those discussions, Panchal raised the importance of preventing a concentration of authority within the association.
According to his account, the founders collectively introduced a rule restricting members to no more than two consecutive terms in a Management Committee post. His departure from the vice presidency follows that provision.
Panchal expressed pride that the association had upheld the principle, presenting the transition as a continuation of the democratic governance approach agreed upon at its founding.
Continuing as a Member
In his farewell message, Panchal thanked those who had supported the association’s founding vision and contributed to its progress over the past six years.
He expressed confidence in EECMAI’s future and said he would remain involved as a member, supporting the organisation as it moves into its next phase.
The announcement marks the close of his founding leadership tenure while maintaining his connection with the association and the component manufacturing community it represents.
Panchal’s statement did not name a successor or specify a date for the leadership handover.
Source: Hiren Panchal’s LinkedIn announcement, reproduced in the material supplied to ISEE Papers.