Dr. Ekchian was an original founder of Litex in August 1996. Prior to joining Litex, he was president of OPTIMA Environmental, Inc., a mechanical engineering and development firm. Dr. Ekchian has conducted dynamometer testing of SI engines and investigation of mobile source emissions and fuel economy, co-generation energy system analysis and simulation, hybrid electric power plants for medium to heavy duty fleet vehicles, and advanced non-air breathing power plants for lightweight aircraft. He has a broad range of experience in engine design with special emphasis on emission control and fuel economy.

Previously, Dr. Ekchian worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as manager of the Sloan Automotive Laboratory, and as a lecturer in the department of mechanical engineering. His work included management of a group of 30 students, faculty, and staff, and the supervision of 12 graduate theses, conducting automotive emission research for such companies as General Motors and Ford, for the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Department of Energy. He has consulted extensively for such organizations as Caterpillar, John Deere, the Gas Research Institute, the California Air Resources Board, the South Coast Air Quality Management District in Southern California, and has developed close contacts with the major automotive companies in the United States and Europe. In addition, he has served as an expert witness for automotive and engineering design related patent litigation.

Dr. Ekchian received M.S. (1976) and Ph.D. (1978) degrees in mechanical engineering from MIT, specializing in emissions, computer modeling, and performance in internal combustion engines. Dr. Ekchian is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), where he served as chairman of the New England section. He received the SAE Horning Memorial Award for his paper on the Adaption of Fuels to Internal Combustion Engines, and the SAE Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award for significant contributions to teaching, research and student development. Dr. Ekchian is the author of numerous publications in the field of combustion systems.