Srini Gowda, an engineering executive with extensive automotive experience, has joined Karma Automotive as vice president, Autonomous Driving and ADAS.
Gowda will oversee Karma’s Autonomous Driving roadmap, building a comprehensive strategy as the company develops, designs and validates its autonomous driving system applications for future products. Additionally, he will lead Karma’s new Silicon Valley business and technology office, helping drive innovation and advanced technology partnerships.
Gowda’s appointment comes at a key time for Karma, as the company kicks-off a rapid period of product introduction, including an all-new, fully electrified global platform in 2021.
“Srini has the kind of specialization in autonomous driving and ADAS we need to help grow Karma’s technology and automotive business units,” said Karma CEO Dr Lance Zhou. “Karma’s nimble and engaged workforce and open platform partnership strategy position our company at the forefront of emerging vehicle technology. This expertise will serve as an advantage as we usher in a new era for Karma.”
Gowda, who will report directly to Zhou, will lead Karma’s autonomous driving group, the center of competence for sensor fusion, localization and behavior generation software for future autonomous technology applications.
Gowda joins Karma from Byton USA and China where he served as director, Autonomous Driving/ADAS. There he led efforts to deliver ADAS and autonomous driving programs including cruise features, active safety, low-speed maneuvering, vision systems and cybersecurity. He previously spent over a decade at Jaguar Land Rover.
“I joined Karma because I see a once in a lifetime opportunity to contribute to the world of autonomous driving/ADAS from the ground up,” said Gowda. “Karma has great potential to make a real difference in this space; successful product launches are already accomplished, and it has an established manufacturing base in the USA. The automotive industry is going through a period of evolution which presents an opportunity for Karma to differentiate itself and establish a bright future.”
Gowda holds a master’s in engineering business management from the University of Warwick, UK, and an engineering degree in electronics and communication from Visvesvaraya Technological University (DSCE), Bengaluru, India.