Gurugram
In a landmark moment that blends legacy with localisation, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has appointed Tarun Garg as its Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. The appointment marks the first time in the company’s 29-year Indian journey that an Indian national has taken the top job—proof that “Make in India” has also quietly evolved into “Lead from India.”
With over 32 years of automotive experience across sales, marketing, distribution, finance, product strategy and brand communication, Garg steps into the corner office at a pivotal time—when the industry is recharging (sometimes literally) for its next lap. If Hyundai India’s story so far was about scale and speed, the next chapter promises strategy, sustainability and a sharper customer focus—served with a confident Indian flavour.
From Milestones to Momentum
Garg’s rise has been anything but sudden. During his tenure as Head of Sales, Service & Marketing and later as Whole-time Director & COO, HMIL clocked three consecutive years of record sales, achieved highest-ever profitability and EBITDA margins, and executed the largest IPO in Indian equity market history in 2024. SUVs surged, digitalisation deepened, and customer experience became more than just a buzzword.
The Roadmap: Big Bets, Bigger Vision
Under Garg’s leadership, HMIL will drive growth on four clear pillars:
- Future-Ready Strategy: A ₹45,000-crore investment roadmap through FY2030 to accelerate EVs, hybrids, connected mobility and more.
- People & Market Focus: Empowering employees while strengthening dealer and supplier ecosystems.
- Customer-Centricity: Seamless experiences across every HMIL touchpoint—because delight shouldn’t need a service reminder.
- Make in India, Made for the World: Higher indigenisation and positioning India as a global export hub for emerging markets.
Speaking on his appointment, Garg said India’s auto industry is at an “exciting inflection point”—a polite way of saying the throttle is wide open and the road ahead looks thrilling. Aligned with Hyundai Motor Group’s global vision of Progress for Humanity, his focus will be on sustainable growth, technology leadership and mobility that connects communities, not just destinations.
Leadership with a Human Touch
Beyond balance sheets and product cycles, Garg is known for people-first leadership. Initiatives like “Samarth by Hyundai”, aimed at improving accessibility and awareness for people with disabilities, underline a leadership style that values impact alongside performance. Colleagues describe him as humble, purpose-driven and refreshingly grounded—traits that pair well with steering a mass-premium brand in a diverse market like India.
Before Hyundai, Garg built an illustrious career at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, rising to Executive Director roles across marketing, logistics, parts and accessories. A Mechanical Engineer from Delhi Technological University and an MBA from IIM Lucknow, he brings a rare blend of technical depth and business acumen.
As Garg takes charge, Hyundai Motor India appears ready to shift gears—confidently Indian at the helm, unapologetically global in ambition. And if history is any indicator, the journey ahead won’t just be fast; it’ll be thoughtfully engineered.
