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Hyundai Motor India Limited, on Thursday, announced that Tarun Garg has assumed charge as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer from today, January 1, 2026. He is the first Indian national to lead the company since its establishment 29 years ago in 1996.
The appointment marks a change in the leadership structure, which expatriate executives had previously led. The company said the development reflects Hyundai Motor Group’s confidence in India and the country’s strategic role in the global automotive market.
Garg succeeds Unsoo Kim, who returns to a strategic role at Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea. Hyundai’s board had approved Garg’s elevation in October as part of the company’s succession planning.
Garg has more than 32 years of experience in the automotive industry. His experience covers sales, marketing, distribution, financial management, product strategy and brand communication.
Hyundai said he will lead the next phase of growth with a focus on future-ready mobility, customer-centric operations and Make in India. The company has announced an investment plan of ₹45,000 crore by FY30 to support electric vehicles, hybrids and connected mobility.
Garg, while commenting on his appointment, said, “My vision is to build on our strong foundation while accelerating HMIL's transformation towards sustainable growth, technological leadership, and unmatched customer delight.”
Before this elevation, Garg served as Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor India. He earlier headed sales, service and marketing. Under his leadership, Hyundai reported record sales for three consecutive years.
He added, “Aligned with Hyundai's global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,’ we will strengthen Hyundai's legacy and create meaningful mobility solutions that not only empower people but also connect communities and enrich lives.”
The company delivered its highest-ever profitability and EBITDA margins. It completed the largest initial public offering in Indian equity markets in 2024. It reinforced its position in the SUV segment while increasing focus on profitability, customer experience and digital processes.
Hyundai said the leadership transition sets the stage for growth across four priorities. These priorities are technology-led products, stronger dealer and supplier networks, improved customer service, and greater localisation and exports under Make in India.
Garg has also overseen initiatives related to accessibility. Hyundai launched “Samarth by Hyundai” to create awareness and improve mobility support for people with disabilities.
Before joining Hyundai, Garg worked at Maruti Suzuki India Limited and rose to Executive Director for Marketing, Logistics, Parts and Accessories. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Delhi Technological University. He has an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow.
Hyundai Motor India operates manufacturing plants in Tamil Nadu and has its corporate office in Gurugram, Haryana. It is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group and has operated in India since 1996.
The appointment marks a change in the leadership structure, which expatriate executives had previously led. The company said the development reflects Hyundai Motor Group’s confidence in India and the country’s strategic role in the global automotive market.
Garg succeeds Unsoo Kim, who returns to a strategic role at Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea. Hyundai’s board had approved Garg’s elevation in October as part of the company’s succession planning.
Garg has more than 32 years of experience in the automotive industry. His experience covers sales, marketing, distribution, financial management, product strategy and brand communication.
Hyundai said he will lead the next phase of growth with a focus on future-ready mobility, customer-centric operations and Make in India. The company has announced an investment plan of ₹45,000 crore by FY30 to support electric vehicles, hybrids and connected mobility.
Garg, while commenting on his appointment, said, “My vision is to build on our strong foundation while accelerating HMIL's transformation towards sustainable growth, technological leadership, and unmatched customer delight.”
Before this elevation, Garg served as Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor India. He earlier headed sales, service and marketing. Under his leadership, Hyundai reported record sales for three consecutive years.
He added, “Aligned with Hyundai's global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,’ we will strengthen Hyundai's legacy and create meaningful mobility solutions that not only empower people but also connect communities and enrich lives.”
The company delivered its highest-ever profitability and EBITDA margins. It completed the largest initial public offering in Indian equity markets in 2024. It reinforced its position in the SUV segment while increasing focus on profitability, customer experience and digital processes.
Hyundai said the leadership transition sets the stage for growth across four priorities. These priorities are technology-led products, stronger dealer and supplier networks, improved customer service, and greater localisation and exports under Make in India.
Garg has also overseen initiatives related to accessibility. Hyundai launched “Samarth by Hyundai” to create awareness and improve mobility support for people with disabilities.
Before joining Hyundai, Garg worked at Maruti Suzuki India Limited and rose to Executive Director for Marketing, Logistics, Parts and Accessories. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Delhi Technological University. He has an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow.
Hyundai Motor India operates manufacturing plants in Tamil Nadu and has its corporate office in Gurugram, Haryana. It is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group and has operated in India since 1996.

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