The Indian Rubber Institute's (IRI) Kerala branch has elected a new leadership team at its annual general meeting, with a renewed focus on innovation and transformation within the rubber industry.
Simon Jacob, managing director of Top Notch Tyres and Rubber Consultancy Pvt Ltd, has assumed charge as chairman. With 36 years of experience in the rubber sector, he brings deep industry knowledge and leadership to the role.
Shambhu Namboothiri, managing director of Associated Rubber Chemicals and a veteran with four decades of experience, has been elected secretary. The meeting was chaired by outgoing chairman T.R. Gopalakrishnan.
Other office-bearers include Ciby Varghese, deputy director at the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), who has been elected vice-chairman; Chandison Kuriakose of Apollo Tyres, elected treasurer; and Prashanth Raghavan of CUSAT, who will serve as chairman of the Educational Committee. Rani Joseph (retired professor, CUSAT) and P.K. Mohammed of BKT Tyres have joined the governing council.
Alongside the leadership change, the IRI-Kerala chapter unveiled a bold vision aimed at revitalising the state’s rubber ecosystem. The branch is committed to fostering innovation and building technical expertise across emerging applications of rubber in mobility, healthcare, electronics, defence, sports, sustainability, space, and beyond.
--Support the launch of at least 15 rubber-based startups in Kerala within the next two years
--Help MSMEs diversify into value-added rubber products
--Provide a collaborative platform for innovation and inclusive growth
With its fresh leadership and forward-looking agenda, IRI-Kerala aims to be a catalyst for transforming the state’s rubber sector into a globally competitive and innovation-led industry.
