After earning a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from I.I.T. Kanpur, Dr. Pawan Goenka went on to complete his Ph.D (M.E.) from Cornell University, Ithaca, USA. A graduate of the Advanced Management Programme from HBS, he worked for General Motors Research & Development Centre at Warren, MI, USA from 1979 - 1993. Thereafter, he joined Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, as General Manager (Research & Development). He was appointed Chief Operating Officer (Automotive Sector) in April 2003, and then the President of the Automotive Sector in September 2005.

Dr. Goenka received the Outstanding International Advisor Award from SAE in 1997 and the Charles L. McCuen Achievement Award in 1991 & 1995 from General Motors. He also received the Extraordinary Accomplishment Award from General Motors in 1986, the Burt L. Newkirk Award in 1987 and the Distinguished Alumni Award from I.I.T. Kanpur in 2004. He was also the President of SAE and the Indian National Academy of Engineers.

Besides these, Dr. Goenka was Chairman of the Emissions Committee of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers from 1999 - 2001, Chairman Task Force on Alternative Energy Driven Vehicles of SIAM from 2001 - August 2003, Chairman Task Force on Auto Oil Programme from September 2003 - August 2005, Chairman Frontier Technologies, Styling & Design from September 2005 till date, Chairman of Western India Section of SAE, President of SAE India and Vice President of ARAI Governing Council.