Hyundai Motor India Names Tarun Garg as First Indian MD & CEO, Effective January 2026

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 02, 2026 1,000 Views

Hyundai Motor India appointed Tarun Garg as its new managing director and CEO, effective January 1, 2026. Garg succeeds Unsoo Kim, who will return to South Korea for a strategic role. Garg, a veteran with over 25 years in the auto industry, will lead Hyundai’s India growth amid evolving market challenges.

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has confirmed the appointment of Tarun Garg as managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2026. Garg, currently the whole-time director and chief operating officer (COO), will take over from Unsoo Kim, who steps down on December 31, 2025, to join the parent company in South Korea in a strategic role.

Garg’s appointment marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first Indian to head Hyundai India since its inception in 1996. His extensive 25-year experience in the Indian automobile sector includes senior roles at Maruti Suzuki India and leadership responsibilities in sales, marketing, and operations at Hyundai.

With academic credentials including a Mechanical Engineering degree from Delhi Technological University and an MBA from IIM Lucknow, Garg has been instrumental in pioneering initiatives such as the introduction of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in Hyundai's vehicle lineup. His leadership has resulted in improved sales quality, reduced incentives, and expanding profit margins for the automaker in India.

Key Highlights and Major Takeaways

New Leadership: Tarun Garg, HMIL COO and Whole-time Director, becomes MD & CEO from January 1, 2026.
First Indian MD & CEO: Garg is the first Indian to lead Hyundai India, succeeding Unsoo Kim.
Vast Industry Experience: Over 25 years with Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai India in key business roles.
Strategic Contributions: Instrumental in launching ADAS in nine Hyundai models and improving profitability.
Transition Plan: Garg will shadow Kim until year-end as MD & CEO designate.
Growth Focus: Expected to steer Hyundai through ₹45,000 crore investment plans and evolving market dynamics in India.

Conclusion

Tarun Garg’s elevation as the first Indian MD & CEO represents Hyundai Motor India’s evolving leadership strategy to localize expertise and innovation. His deep understanding of the Indian market and proven operational excellence are critical as Hyundai pursues ambitious growth and technology advancement goals in the country.

Sources: NDTV Profit, Reuters, Business Standard, The Hindu BusinessLine, Economic Times, Fortune India

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