Kanishka Arumugam, WMG MSc Engineering Business Management alumnus, has been recognised at the prestigious Global Pump Industry Awards.

Kanishka, who graduated in 2015, is Co-CEO of EKKI WATER TECHNOLOGIES in India. Kanishka and EKKI were recognised in two categories at the ceremony, in Kenilworth, organised by the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) along with leading European pump industry members.

The Pump Industry Awards (PIA) is not only one of the most prestigious, but also one of the oldest and most revered in the world. The Awards aim to recognise outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service and skills. EKKI is the first Indian company to be recognised in two categories.

EKKI was recognised as a key contributor for skills and training in the industry through its EKKI International Water Technology Centres (EIWTC). EIWTC is a global centre of excellence for training, research and entrepreneurship in pumps and water related technologies, partnering with leading industries, government and academic institutions globally.

Kanishka was also acknowledged as a ‘Rising Star,’ for his significant contribution in transforming the fortunes of his family business, EKKI, from making agriculture pumps to cutting-edge water technologies around the world. He is credited for setting up India’s first waste water joint venture with German Pump major HOMA which has a presence in more than 120 countries across the world.

Kanishka Arumugam said: "We at EKKI are immensely proud to be recognised internationally for our innovative initiatives within the industry. This recognition from the world’s most respected and important members of the Pump Industry, recognises the true success and potential of EKKI.

“At EKKI, we are really passionate about producing globally competitive products from India and make EKKI as one of the most respected family-owned companies from this part of the world.

“WMG at the University of Warwick, taught me the importance of applied academia, and I was very fortunate to be mentored by Professor Sujit Banerji who taught us to make global quality. Professor Banerji has recently been appointed as a Chief Advisor to EKKI and continues to mentor us, which is of immense value to both me personally and the company.”

He added: “I dedicate this recognition to my father our Group Founder Mr.Arumugam.P, members of EKKI, our partner HOMA in Germany, distributors, dealers and supply chain partners across the globe.

“I would also like to thank my alma mater, Warwick University, for fostering in me the art of applied academia in industry.”

Commenting on this prestigious European recognition, EKKI’s German partner Mr. Hans Hoffmann, CEO of HOMA said: “EKKI is seen as one among the fastest growing water tech companies in India and globally. EKKI as a company has proved to a German partner like us that they are full of potential with extraordinary quality and capable of designing and producing highly competitive products, with impressive profits.

“Kanishka Arumugam is one of the most successful young executives we have in the industry. Backed by his strong academic background from Oxford and Warwick he is an intellectually curious young leader who is ready to pause, to reflect, seize new opportunities, and create an impact in the water industry.”

Arumugam.P, Group CEO and Founder said: "EKKI serves as a role-model for all our other companies within the group. By this distinguished recognition, it has once again led the way. I could not be any prouder, because I know that no one is more capable of leading EKKI successfully into a sustainable and digital future than Kanishka.”