Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has ushered in a historic leadership transition with Tarun Garg officially taking charge as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer from January 1, 2026. The appointment marks a major milestone for the Indian arm of South Korean auto giant Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), as Garg becomes the first Indian national to lead HMIL in its 29-year history. The move signals not just a change in leadership but a broader shift in Hyundai Motor Group’s India strategy at a time when the country is emerging as a key global automotive hub.
Credits: People Matters
A Historic First for Hyundai Motor India
Since its inception in the mid-1990s, Hyundai Motor India has largely been led by executives from its South Korean parent. Garg’s elevation breaks that tradition, underscoring Hyundai Motor Group’s growing confidence in Indian leadership and local decision-making. HMIL described the transition as a reflection of India’s increasing strategic importance within Hyundai’s global operations, particularly as the automotive industry undergoes rapid technological and structural transformation.
The leadership change also highlights Hyundai’s long-term commitment to India, one of its most important markets outside South Korea. With India poised to become the world’s third-largest automobile market, placing an Indian executive at the helm signals deeper localisation of strategy, operations, and innovation.
Succession From Unsoo Kim to a Strategic Global Role
Tarun Garg succeeds Unsoo Kim, who is returning to Hyundai Motor Company’s headquarters in South Korea to take on a strategic role. Kim’s tenure at HMIL was marked by efforts to stabilise operations amid a volatile global environment, including supply-chain disruptions and shifting consumer preferences. His transition back to HMC ensures continuity between the Indian subsidiary and the parent company, while allowing HMIL greater operational autonomy under Indian leadership.
The succession had been planned well in advance. In October last year, HMIL’s board approved Garg’s elevation as part of a structured leadership transition, reinforcing the company’s focus on stability and long-term vision rather than abrupt management changes.
Three Decades of Automotive Experience
With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Tarun Garg brings deep operational and market expertise to the role. Prior to becoming MD & CEO, he served as Chief Operating Officer at HMIL, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening sales, marketing, and customer engagement strategies. His familiarity with the Indian consumer landscape is expected to be a major advantage as competition intensifies across both mass and premium vehicle segments.
HMIL said Garg has the right blend of strategic insight and execution capability to lead the company into its “second phase of growth” in India, a phase that will be defined by electrification, digitalisation, and sustainability.
Four Pillars of a Future-Ready Strategy
Under Garg’s leadership, Hyundai Motor India will focus on four key pillars: people and market focus, a deeply customer-centric approach, technological leadership, and a strong “Make in India, Made for the World” philosophy. These pillars align closely with India’s ambition to become a global manufacturing and export hub for automobiles and auto components.
The emphasis on customer-centricity is particularly critical as Indian buyers become more discerning, tech-savvy, and value-conscious. Meanwhile, the “Make in India” push is expected to strengthen HMIL’s export capabilities, positioning India as a key production base for global markets.
Credits: Business Standard
Big Bets on EVs and Future Mobility
HMIL’s leadership transition comes at a time when the company is making aggressive investments in future mobility. Hyundai has committed ₹45,000 crore by FY30 to accelerate the development of electric vehicles, hybrids, and connected mobility solutions in India. These investments will span product development, manufacturing capacity, and advanced technologies.
Commenting on his new role, Garg said his vision is to build on Hyundai’s strong foundation while accelerating the company’s transformation towards sustainable growth, technological leadership, and “unmatched customer delight.” Aligned with Hyundai’s global vision of “Progress for Humanity,” he emphasised creating mobility solutions that empower people, connect communities, and enrich lives.
As Tarun Garg takes charge, Hyundai Motor India appears poised to enter a new chapter—one shaped by local leadership, global ambition, and a decisive push towards the future of mobility.
