Overview
- Leadership Milestone: Tarun Garg appointed MD & CEO of Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) effective January 1, 2026, marking the first Indian in this role since 1996.
- Transition: Current MD Unsoo Kim returns to HMC Korea; Garg, current Whole-time Director & COO, steps up after 5 years at HMIL.
- Achievements: Led HMIL to 3 years of record sales, highest EBITDA in FY24, and India’s largest IPO in 2024; championed “Samarth by Hyundai” for inclusivity.
- Strategic Pillars: Future Strategy Focused, Market & People Centered, Customer Orientation, and Make in India impetus to drive growth.
- Global Endorsement: HMC CEO José Muñoz praises Garg’s vision; Unsoo Kim lauds his commitment; Garg vows to build on 29-year legacy.
- Career Path: 32+ years in auto; from Maruti Suzuki trainee to IIM Lucknow MBA; joined HMIL in 2019 as Head of Sales, Service, Marketing.
- Impact: Reflects Hyundai’s confidence in India’s talent; aligns with global “Progress for Humanity” vision amid 6% EV penetration.
Hyundai India Crowns Tarun Garg as First Indian CEO in 25 Years – A Bold Bet on Desi Leadership
In a landmark move signaling deep trust in Indian talent, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has named Tarun Garg as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026—making him the first Indian to helm the company since its 1996 inception. Currently Whole-time Director and COO, Garg steps up after a seamless transition from incumbent MD Unsoo Kim, who returns to a strategic role at Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) in Korea. This appointment, subject to shareholder approval, underscores Hyundai’s commitment to local leadership in a market where the company achieved record sales for three consecutive years under Garg’s operational stewardship.
A Trailblazing Appointment
Garg’s elevation reflects HMC’s confidence in India’s strategic role in global automotive growth. “Tarun’s appointment as the first Indian national to lead HMIL is a defining moment in our nearly three-decade history,” said HMC President and CEO José Muñoz. He lauded Garg’s transformative vision, record profits, and 2024’s landmark IPO—the largest in India’s equity markets—while thanking Kim for foundational work. Kim echoed the sentiment: “I have witnessed firsthand Tarun’s unwavering commitment… under his stewardship, HMIL will ascend to greater heights.”
Garg, humbled, affirmed: “I am deeply honoured… India’s automotive sector is in an exciting phase of transformation. Success demands excellence across every touchpoint, and I’m fortunate to work with Hyundai’s talented teams, dealers, and suppliers.”
Strategic Pillars: A Blueprint for Growth
Garg’s tenure will pivot on four pillars: Future Strategy Focused, Market & People Centered, Customer Orientation, and Impetus to Make in India. These will champion customer delight, localized supply chains, and India as an export hub, while advancing next-gen mobility. With 32+ years in the industry, Garg’s track record includes digital wins like the MyHyundai app (90% NPS) and HSMART for dealers, plus “Samarth by Hyundai” for disability inclusion—aligning with Hyundai’s “Progress for Humanity” ethos.
From Maruti Trainee to Hyundai Helm
Garg’s journey began as a Management Trainee at Maruti Suzuki in 1992, rising to Executive Director of Marketing, Logistics, Parts, and Accessories. Joining HMIL in 2019 as Head of Sales, Service, and Marketing, he became COO in 2023, overseeing operations and fueling growth. A Mechanical Engineer from Delhi Technological University and IIM Lucknow MBA, Garg’s blend of technical acumen and business savvy positions him to navigate India’s EV surge (6% penetration in 2025) and 30% target by 2030.
A Milestone for India’s Auto Landscape
This desi CEO appointment celebrates India’s talent pool amid Hyundai’s ₹45,000 crore investment by FY30, including five EVs and eight hybrids. As HMIL eyes 2.5 million annual sales, Garg’s leadership will fortify its SUV dominance and green push, building on 29 years of customer loyalty.
Hyundai’s bold step not only honors Garg’s legacy but also signals a maturing Indian auto sector, where local visionaries drive global ambitions.
Source: thrustzone.com
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