Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced the appointment of Mr. Tarun Garg as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026, subject to shareholder approval. This historic move marks the first time an Indian national will lead the company in its 29-year history.
Mr. Garg currently serves as the Whole-time Director & COO at HMIL. He has been closely collaborating with Hyundai’s global leadership over the past two years in preparation for this role. The transition will be smooth, with the current MD, Mr. Unsoo Kim, returning to a strategic position at Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), South Korea.
This leadership shift underscores Hyundai’s strong confidence in Indian talent and highlights India’s increasing strategic significance in the company’s global operations.
Commenting on this announcement, Mr. José Muñoz, President & CEO of HMC, said, “Tarun’s appointment as the first Indian national to lead HMIL is a defining moment in our nearly three-decade history. He is a transformative leader who brings a progressive vision combined with deep understanding of the Indian market. Under his guidance as COO, HMIL achieved record sales for three consecutive years, record-breaking profits and completed India’s largest IPO in 2024. He is a people-first leader who understands that success happens when you treat customers like honoured guests, empower your teams and invest for the long term. I would also like to thank Unsoo for his hard work and dedication in helping lay the foundation for the success HMIL enjoys today. We wish you luck on your next assignment.”
Speaking on this elevation, Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, HMIL stated, “Having worked closely with Tarun over the years, I have witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment and visionary thinking, qualities that have played a pivotal role in shaping and executing the core initiatives driving HMIL’s growth in India. I hold the utmost confidence in Tarun’s exceptional intellect and foresight, and I am confident that under his stewardship, HMIL will continue to ascend to even greater heights.”
Upon his appointment, Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director & COO of HMIL, said, “I am truly honored by the trust Hyundai Motor Group has placed in me. India’s automotive sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and I look forward to contributing to HMIL’s continued growth in this dynamic market. Success in this industry requires excellence at every stage—from design and engineering to manufacturing, sales, and service. I am fortunate to collaborate with Hyundai’s talented employees, dealer partners, and suppliers who make this possible. Together, we will remain committed to strengthening HMIL’s legacy of customer satisfaction and loyalty built over the past 29 years, shaping the future of mobility and forging lasting connections across India.”
In his pivotal role as Managing Director and CEO of HMIL, Mr. Garg’s strategic focus will be on four key pillars – Future Strategy Focussed, Market & People Centered, Customer Orientation and further Impetus to Make in India. These pillars will help shape the brand’s future – championing unparalleled customer satisfaction, building a robust and localised supply chain for enhanced value and establishing India as a global export hub while developing next-gen mobility solutions.
Mr. Garg’s tenure at HMIL has been shaped by meaningful contributions that have steadily advanced the company’s growth and direction. With more than 32 years of industry experience, he led HMIL to its highest-ever sales for three consecutive years, delivered record-breaking profits and achieved highest EBITDA margin in FY24. Among his other notable contributions was his role as the Chief Orchestrator of HMIL’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2024, which marked the largest public offering in the history of the Indian equity markets. His sharp focus on profitability, sustainability and customer experience positioned HMIL at the forefront of the SUV segment leadership.
He championed digital transformation through initiatives such as the MyHyundai app for customers, HSMART for dealers and a direct-to-consumer channel for electric vehicles, achieving over 90% NPS across sales and service.
Beyond business metrics, Mr. Garg is a people-first leader deeply committed to community impact and innovation. His inclusive vision led to the launch of “Samarth by Hyundai,” an initiative towards creating a more aware and inclusive society for people with disabilities in India. Known for his humility and deep connection to the community, Mr. Garg continues to inspire with a leadership style rooted in purpose, progress and people. This syncs with Hyundai Motor Group’s global vision of “Progress for Humanity,” which emphasizes that progress becomes meaningful only when connected with a deep sense of humanity.
Since joining HMIL in 2019, Mr. Garg’s leadership journey has been marked by rapid progression. He was initially appointed as the Head of Sales, Service and Marketing, where he took charge of the company’s core customer-facing functions. His exceptional performance and strategic vision led to his further elevation in year 2023, when he was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer, a role that expanded his responsibilities to oversee the company’s entire operational spectrum.
Prior to bringing his expertise to HMIL, Mr. Garg had an illustrious career with Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL). He began as a Management Trainee, mastering the areas of logistics and sales planning and progressively advanced through a series of key roles. His journey there included positions such as Regional Sales Manager, Commercial Business Head, National Sales and Network Head and ultimately, Executive Director of Marketing, Logistics, Parts and Accessories.
Mr. Garg’s strong academic foundation complements his professional experience. He is a Mechanical Engineer from the prestigious Delhi Technological University (formerly known as Delhi College of Engineering), one of the best technological universities in India. Further enhancing his strategic and business acumen, he holds an MBA from one of India’s most premier business schools – the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow.
