Tarun GargHyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) on Thursday announced that Tarun Garg has assumed charge as its managing director and chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2026. Garg becomes the first Indian national to lead the Indian arm of the Korean automaker since its inception nearly three decades ago.
The appointment underscores Hyundai Motor Group’s growing emphasis on India as a strategic market and manufacturing base within its global operations. Garg brings over 30 years of experience in the Indian automotive industry and will lead HMIL as it enters what the company describes as its next phase of growth.
Commenting on his appointment, Garg said India’s automotive industry was at a critical inflection point, shaped by innovation, sustainability and evolving consumer expectations. He said his focus would be on strengthening Hyundai’s existing foundation while accelerating the company’s transition towards sustainable growth, technology-led mobility solutions and improved customer experience.
His key leadership roles
According to HMIL, Garg’s leadership agenda will centre on four priorities: accelerating future-ready technologies such as electric vehicles, hybrids and connected mobility under an investment roadmap of ₹45,000 crore through FY2030; strengthening people, dealer and supplier ecosystems; deepening customer-centric initiatives across touchpoints; and enhancing indigenisation to position India as a key export hub for emerging markets.
Garg has been associated with Hyundai Motor India for several years, most recently serving as a whole-time director and chief operating officer, after earlier leading the sales, service, and marketing functions. During his tenure, the company recorded three consecutive years of record sales, achieved its highest-ever profitability and EBITDA margins, and successfully executed its landmark IPO in 2024. Hyundai also strengthened its position in the SUV segment during this period.
Before joining HMIL, Garg spent a significant part of his career at Maruti Suzuki India, where he rose to the position of executive director overseeing marketing, logistics, parts and accessories.
An alumnus of Delhi Technological University, Garg holds a degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from IIM Lucknow.
