Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced the appointment of Tarun Garg as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. The move is historic for the automaker, as Garg becomes the first Indian executive to lead the company in its 29-year journey in India.
With more than 32 years of experience in the automotive industry, Garg steps into the role as Hyundai India enters a new phase of expansion and transformation. During his long tenure at HMIL, he has headed critical functions such as sales, service and marketing, and most recently served as Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer.
Speaking on his appointment, Garg highlighted the changing dynamics of the Indian automotive market, driven by innovation, sustainability and evolving customer expectations. He said his focus would be on strengthening Hyundai’s foundations, accelerating sustainable and technology-led growth, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative, and positioning India as a key global export base for the company.
Under his leadership, HMIL plans to intensify efforts in future mobility solutions, customer-centric initiatives and localisation. The company has committed investments of ₹45,000 crore through FY2030 to expand its electric and hybrid vehicle portfolio, enhance connected technologies, and boost manufacturing and exports from India.
Hyundai noted that Garg has played a key role in several achievements, including record sales for three consecutive years, improved profitability and the successful IPO in 2024. He has also been closely involved in initiatives like ‘Samarth by Hyundai’, aimed at promoting accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Before joining Hyundai, Garg spent several years at Maruti Suzuki India, where he rose to the position of Executive Director and managed areas such as marketing, logistics, parts and accessories. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Delhi Technological University and an MBA from IIM Lucknow.
According to Hyundai, the leadership transition underlines India’s growing strategic importance within the company’s global operations, particularly as it looks to scale manufacturing, exports and next-generation mobility solutions from the country.