Mr. Ashwin Suryakant Dani, Founder and Chairman of Hitech Group of Companies was a visionary and a technocrat with a clear focus on innovation led manufacturing of rigid plastic packaging material. His sound financial strategies, strong team building abilities and nurturing attitude to young minds helped foster an environment of innovative contribution and scientific temperament within all ranks of the organisation which led to the robust growth of the Hitech Group. His humility shone through and was apparent in the adulation and respect he received from his people.

After having completed his Bachelor of Science from the Institute of Science, University of Mumbai and Bachelor of Science and Technology in pigments, paints and varnish from UDCT (now known as ICT), Mumbai, he completed his Master's in polymer science from University of Akron, Ohio, United States and Diploma in colour science from Rensselaer Polytechnic, Troy, New York, United States. He then gained work experience as a Development Chemist with Inmont Corp. (now known as BASF) in Detroit, USA, a major supplier of automotive OEM and refinishes.

Due to his strong belief in the Indian values which were imparted to him by his family while growing up he was always an Indian at heart and decided to return to India. He took it upon himself to make a mark on the Indian landscape. He recognised the value of education that he had received and was determined to impart the same through technological advances in the Indian diaspora. He joined Asian Paints in 1968 as a Senior Executive and then successfully moved up the ladder to attain senior positions like Director-R&D, Works Director, Whole-time Director, Managing Director and Vice Chairman.

Mr. Ashwin Dani was the main Architect in the development and introduction of many products for the first time in India including the concept of Computerised Colour matching and Indigenous Paint Technology, a concept which now is widely used in various sectors like paints, plastics, textiles and printing inks.