Tarun Garg has taken charge as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of Hyundai Motor India Limited, effective January 1, 2026, becoming the first Indian national to lead the company in its 29-year history.
Hyundai Motor India announced the leadership transition through an official press release, describing the appointment as a defining milestone that reflects the company’s confidence in Indian leadership and the country’s growing strategic importance in the global automotive landscape .
Tarun Garg’s background and experience
Tarun Garg brings over 32 years of experience in the automotive industry, with expertise spanning sales, marketing, distribution, financial management, product strategy, and brand communication.
Before taking over as MD & CEO, Garg served Hyundai Motor India in senior leadership roles, including:
- Head of Sales, Service and Marketing
- Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer
During his tenure in these roles, Hyundai Motor India achieved record sales for three consecutive years, delivered its highest-ever profitability and EBITDA margins, and successfully executed the largest IPO in Indian equity market history in 2024, according to the company.
Career before Hyundai Motor India
Prior to joining Hyundai Motor India, Tarun Garg built a long career at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, where he rose through multiple leadership positions and eventually served as Executive Director – Marketing, Logistics, Parts and Accessories.
His experience across both mass-market and premium automotive segments is seen as a key factor behind his appointment.
Education and qualifications
Tarun Garg is a Mechanical Engineer from Delhi Technological University (formerly Delhi College of Engineering). He also holds an MBA from IIM Lucknow, giving him a strong blend of technical and managerial expertise.
Strategic focus as Hyundai Motor India CEO
As MD & CEO, Tarun Garg will lead Hyundai Motor India’s next phase of growth, with focus areas outlined by the company including:
- Accelerating future-ready mobility, including EVs, hybrids and connected technologies
- Executing a Rs 45,000 crore investment roadmap by FY2030
- Strengthening dealer and supplier networks
- Reinforcing the ‘Make in India, Made for the World’ strategy and positioning India as a global export hub
Hyundai said Garg’s leadership will also prioritise customer-centricity, digitalisation, and sustainable growth.
Why his appointment matters
Tarun Garg’s appointment marks the first time an Indian executive has been appointed MD & CEO of Hyundai Motor India since its inception. The company described the move as symbolic of India’s rising importance within Hyundai Motor Group’s global strategy.
Hyundai Motor India said Garg’s leadership aligns with the group’s global vision of “Progress for Humanity”, with emphasis on inclusive growth, innovation, and long-term value creation.
Bottom line
Tarun Garg, a seasoned automotive executive with over three decades of industry experience, has assumed charge as Hyundai Motor India’s MD & CEO at a pivotal time for the company. As the first Indian to lead the automaker in India, his appointment signals a new phase of leadership focused on future mobility, exports, and sustained growth.
