Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced the appointment of Tarun Garg, currently the Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO), as the company’s next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO), effective January 1, 2026, subject to shareholder approval.
This appointment is a historic milestone, as Garg becomes the first Indian national to lead HMIL in its 29-year history. He succeeds Unsoo Kim, who will return to a strategic role at Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) in South Korea.
Acknowledging Transformative Leadership
The decision underscores Hyundai’s growing confidence in local leadership and India’s strategic importance. José Muñoz, President & CEO of HMC, praised Garg as a “transformative leader” with a deep understanding of the Indian market.
Under Garg’s guidance as COO, HMIL achieved record sales for three consecutive years, record-breaking profits, and successfully completed India’s largest IPO in 2024.
Strategic Vision for the Future
Tarun Garg, a seasoned professional with over 32 years of industry experience (including a distinguished career at Maruti Suzuki India Limited), stated that his new role will focus on four key strategic pillars:
- Future Strategy Focused
- Market & People Centered
- Customer Orientation
- A strong impetus to Make in India
He emphasized strengthening HMIL’s legacy of customer delight and loyalty and shaping the future of mobility in India. His leadership has been central to HMIL’s digital transformation efforts, including platforms like MyHyundai and HSMART, and community initiatives like ‘Samarth by Hyundai.’
