Tarun Garg Appointed as Hyundai India CEO – The First Indian to Lead Hyundai’s Journey in India

Tarun Garg named Hyundai India CEO is a landmark moment in Hyundai Motor India Limited’s (HMIL) almost three-decade history. The appointment, which comes into effect from January 1, 2026, heralds a historic shift as Garg is the first Indian citizen to occupy the topmost management position of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer since the beginning of the company in 1996.

This move reflects Hyundai’s growing trust in Indian leadership and highlights the country’s increasing importance within the global automotive ecosystem. The appointment follows a seamless transition plan with the outgoing Managing Director, Unsoo Kim, set to take on a strategic role at Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) in South Korea.

A New Chapter in Hyundai’s Leadership Story

Hyundai Motor India’s choice of promoting Tarun Garg highlights the company’s vision for India as a hub of growth and innovation in the long term. As HMIL’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Garg led the company to record-breaking achievements — three consecutive years of highest-ever sales, FY24’s best EBITDA margins, and India’s biggest IPO in 2024.

“Tarun’s appointment as the first Indian to lead HMIL is a defining moment in our three-decade journey,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “He is a people-first, transformative leader with a deep understanding of the Indian market. His strategic vision and customer-centric mindset have been instrumental in Hyundai’s success.”

A Career Built on Performance and Vision

Tarun Garg’s rise to the top of Hyundai’s Indian operations has been swift yet well-earned. Joining HMIL in 2019 as the Head of Sales, Service, and Marketing, he quickly made an impact by streamlining customer-facing operations and boosting market share. His sharp business acumen and leadership qualities led to his promotion as Chief Operating Officer in 2023, where he took charge of the company’s complete operational spectrum.

Before joining Hyundai, Garg spent over two decades with Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), where he held several key positions — from Regional Sales Manager to Executive Director of Marketing, Logistics, Parts, and Accessories. His deep understanding of consumer behavior, market dynamics, and dealership operations gave him the foundation to shape Hyundai’s growth trajectory.

Educational and Professional Excellence

An alumnus of Delhi Technological University (then Delhi College of Engineering), Garg is a mechanical engineer who also earned an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow — two of India’s most prestigious institutions. His technical acumen coupled with management knowledge has enabled him to fill the gap between product engineering, marketing, and strategic leadership.

Record Achievements and Strategic Milestones

As COO, Tarun Garg transformed Hyundai Motor India into one of the most profitable automotive brands in the country. His tenure saw:

• Three consecutive years of record domestic sales, maintaining Hyundai’s strong market position in India’s highly competitive SUV and hatchback segments.
• The largest Initial Public Offering (IPO) in India’s history, positioning HMIL as a financially robust and future-ready company.
• Highest EBITDA margin in FY24, reflecting operational excellence and improved efficiency across functions.
• Strong digital transformation, introducing initiatives like the MyHyundai app, HSMART dealer platform, and a direct-to-consumer channel for EVs — enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.

These initiatives have not only strengthened Hyundai’s market presence but also positioned it as a technology-driven, customer-first automaker in India.

Vision for the Future: Local Leadership, Global Strategy

As Tarun Garg appointed as Hyundai India CEO, his leadership is expected to focus on four strategic pillars — Future-focused strategy, People-centric growth, Customer orientation, and Strengthening the Make-in-India vision.

His goal is to continue Hyundai’s transformation into a mobility solutions provider by expanding electric and connected vehicle portfolios, investing in manufacturing excellence, and building India as a global export and R&D hub.

“India’s automotive industry is at a transformative stage,” Garg said. “I’m deeply honored to lead Hyundai Motor India during this exciting phase. Our commitment will be to enhance customer trust, drive innovation, and strengthen Hyundai’s legacy of progress in India.”

People-First Leadership and Community Impact

Beyond business metrics, Garg is known for his empathetic leadership and focus on inclusive growth. His initiatives under Hyundai’s “Progress for Humanity” vision reflect a strong sense of corporate responsibility. He spearheaded the ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ program, an inclusion-driven initiative that promotes accessibility and awareness for people with disabilities across India.

Colleagues describe Garg as a leader who believes that business success comes from empowering people — customers, employees, dealers, and partners alike. His emphasis on human connection, combined with data-driven decision-making, has been central to Hyundai’s sustained growth.

Hyundai’s Strategic Importance in India

India has become one of the most important markets for Hyundai all over the world, not only as a production base but also an export hub. The firm has one of the biggest manufacturing facilities in Tamil Nadu and is further growing its footprint with investments in electric car manufacturing and infrastructure expansion.

Under the leadership of Garg, Hyundai plans to enhance its R&D ecosystem, enhance localization, and promote sustainable manufacturing practices — in line with India’s vision to become a worldwide mobility innovation hub.

Industry Recognition and Market Outlook

Industry leaders view Garg’s appointment as an indication of India’s increasing role in global automaker networks. With his appointment as the first Indian CEO of Hyundai Motor India, his leadership embodies a synthesis between local understanding and international strategy — an appropriate combination for tackling future mobility issues.

With over 32 years of experience in automotive operations, Garg’s track record of delivering profitability, digitalization, and customer connect positions Hyundai for its next phase of growth in India.

Conclusion: A Defining Leadership Era Begins

The announcement of Tarun Garg appointed as Hyundai India CEO symbolizes a new era for Hyundai Motor India — one where local expertise meets global ambition. As the company prepares to enter its 30th year in India, Garg’s appointment reinforces Hyundai’s confidence in Indian leadership talent and its long-term commitment to the market.

With innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction being the focus areas, Tarun Garg’s tenure is all about driving Hyundai Motor India towards a fascinating and revolutionary future — where the brand continues to redefine the mobility space for generations to come.

FAQs on Tarun Garg Appointed Hyundai India CEO

1. Who is the new Hyundai Motor India CEO?
Tarun Garg has been appointed as the new Managing Director and CEO of Hyundai Motor India.

2. When will Tarun Garg take over his new position?
He will take over officially from January 1, 2026.

3. Who was the former Managing Director of Hyundai India?
Outgoing Managing Director Unsoo Kim will relocate to a strategic position at Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea.

4. Why is the appointment of Tarun Garg important?
He is the first Indian to become the CEO of Hyundai Motor India since its establishment in 1996.

5. What was Tarun Garg’s position prior to becoming CEO?
He was Hyundai Motor India’s Chief Operating Officer (COO).

6. What are the major achievements of Tarun Garg at Hyundai?
He took Hyundai to record sales, India’s largest IPO, and the highest-ever EBITDA margin in FY24.

7. What is the educational qualification of Tarun Garg?
He is a mechanical engineer from Delhi Technological University and an MBA from IIM Lucknow.

8. What are Tarun Garg’s future objectives for Hyundai India?
He plans to grow EV and connected vehicle offerings and deepen the Make-in-India mission.

9. What major initiatives did Garg lead under Hyundai’s CSR programs?
He launched ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ to promote inclusivity for people with disabilities.

10. How does this appointment impact Hyundai’s strategy in India?
It reinforces Hyundai’s trust in Indian leadership and its long-term commitment to India as a global automotive hub.

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