It is the end of an era and the beginning of a new one for Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL).
As of January 1, 2026, Tarun Garg has officially assumed the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. This is a milestone moment: for the first time in the company’s 29-year history in India, an Indian national is sitting in the top seat.
This move signals a massive vote of confidence from the Hyundai Motor Group in India’s local leadership talent and the strategic importance of the Indian market globally.
The Man Behind the Wheel Garg is an automotive veteran with over three decades of experience. Before taking the top job, he served as the Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO), where he was instrumental in steering the company through some of its most critical phases.
His track record speaks for itself. Under his operational leadership, HMIL delivered:
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Record-breaking sales for three consecutive years.
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The highest profitability and EBITDA margins in the company’s history.
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The successful execution of the largest IPO in Indian equity history in 2024.
An alumnus of Delhi Technological University (Mechanical Engineering) and IIM Lucknow, Garg previously built a formidable career at Maruti Suzuki, rising to Executive Director before moving to Hyundai.
The Roadmap: ₹45,000 Crore and a Focus on Exports Garg takes charge at an “inflection point” for the industry. His vision for Hyundai’s next phase is backed by a substantial investment roadmap of ₹45,000 crore by FY 2030.
His strategy rests on four distinct pillars:
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Future-Ready Tech: Aggressive expansion into EVs, hybrids, and connected mobility.
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Make in India, For the World: Increasing indigenization to position HMIL as a primary export hub for emerging global markets.
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Customer Experience: A renewed focus on digital touchpoints and seamless ownership experiences.
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People First: Strengthening the dealer/supplier network and continuing initiatives like “Samarth by Hyundai,” which advocates for accessibility for people with disabilities.
What This Means for the Industry Garg’s appointment is more than a title change; it aligns with a growing trend of multinationals handing the reins to local leaders who understand the nuances of the Bharat market.
“The future is ours to build,” Garg stated upon taking charge. “We will continue to reinforce our commitment to ‘Make in India’ and position HMIL as a global hub for exports.”
With the IPO behind them and a local leader at the helm, Hyundai India is clearly positioning itself for aggressive growth in both the domestic SUV segment and the global export arena.
