Hyundai Motor India Appoints Tarun Garg as Managing Director and CEO

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced the appointment of Tarun Garg as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026, pending shareholder approval. The move marks a historic moment for the automaker, as Garg becomes the first Indian national to lead the company in its 29-year history.

Garg, who currently serves as Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Unsoo Kim. Following the leadership transition, Kim will take on a strategic role at Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) in South Korea.

José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, said that Garg’s appointment represents a milestone in HMIL’s journey. “Tarun’s leadership reflects Hyundai’s confidence in Indian talent and India’s growing strategic importance in the global automotive landscape. Under his guidance, HMIL achieved record sales, profitability, and India’s largest IPO in 2024,” he stated.

Outgoing Managing Director Unsoo Kim expressed confidence in Garg’s leadership, commending his vision and execution that have significantly contributed to HMIL’s growth trajectory.

Upon his elevation, Tarun Garg said, “I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me by Hyundai Motor Group. India’s automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation, and I look forward to advancing Hyundai’s vision through innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric initiatives.”

As Managing Director and CEO, Garg’s strategy will center on four key pillars — future-focused strategy, market and people orientation, customer satisfaction, and strengthening the Make in India initiative. His leadership will also focus on developing India as a global export hub and promoting next-generation mobility solutions.

Garg’s tenure at HMIL has been marked by several milestones, including record-breaking profits, industry-leading EBITDA margins, and digital transformation initiatives like the MyHyundai app and HSMART platform. He also led the company’s direct-to-consumer electric vehicle channel and community initiatives such as Samarth by Hyundai, which promotes inclusivity for people with disabilities.

Before joining Hyundai in 2019, Garg held key leadership roles at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, where he rose to the position of Executive Director of Marketing, Logistics, Parts, and Accessories. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Delhi Technological University and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow.