Hyundai India Gets Its First Indian MD And CEO — Who Is Tarun Garg?

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced the appointment of Tarun Garg as its new Managing Director and CEO, effective January 1, 2026, subject to shareholder approval. A seminal moment for the company

because he becomes the first-ever Indian national to head Hyundai India since its formation 29 years ago. He is serving in the capacity of Whole-time Director and COO at present, and will take over from Unsoo Kim, who moves on to assume a strategic role at Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea. This change in leadership re-emphasises Hyundai's growing thrust on local leadership with India emerging as a key market in its global scheme of things.

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Tarun Garg To Lead Hyundai India’s Next Chapter

In his new role, Garg will be responsible for leading the strategic direction of Hyundai India with an enhanced focus on future strategies, customer centricity, market development, and talent growth. He will further spearhead the enhanced initiatives towards ‘Make in India.’ The company plans to boost its presence in the country by expanding its product lineup and exports as well as developing next-generation mobility solutions. This move falls under Hyundai Motor Group’s far-sighted plan aimed at building up leadership in high-growth markets.

Who Is Tarun Garg?

Tarun Garg carries with him more than 32 years of rich experience in the automobile industry. He joined Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) in the year 2019 and played very instrumental roles by heading Sales, Service & Marketing. Later, he was appointed as Chief Operating Officer. It is under his stewardship that Hyundai not only broke its sales record three years in a row but also posted handsome profits and went on to facilitate one of country's most talked about IPOs in 2024. He led digital transformation projects like MyHyundai, HSMART, and a direct EV sales platform.

Before getting hired at Hyundai, Garg made his way up the ladders at Maruti Suzuki from a Management Trainee to Executive Director-in-charge of Marketing, Logistics, Parts, and Accessories. He graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Delhi Technological University and holds an MBA degree from the prestigious IIM Lucknow.

Hyundai's Strategic Priorities Under Garg

Garg will focus on building a local supply chain, ramping electric and connected mobility, and making India a global export hub. He also led Hyundai’s Samarth initiative to drive awareness and enhance accessibility for people with disabilities.

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A Pivotal Leadership Transition

Tarun Garg’s designation marks a major leadership shuffle for Hyundai India, stringing local knowledge to the company’s global dreams. It happens at a very important time as the Indian auto market is undergoing swift changes when it comes to electrification, localisation, and customer-centric strategies.