In a landmark move, Hyundai Motor India has promoted Tarun Garg to the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, making him the first Indian ever to lead the Korean auto giant’s operations in India. Garg, currently serving as the company’s Chief Operating Officer, will officially take over from Unsoo Kim on January 1, 2026.
A Historic Appointment for Hyundai India
This appointment marks a significant milestone for Hyundai Motor India, which entered the country nearly three decades ago. José Muñoz, Global President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, said, “Tarun’s appointment as the first Indian national to lead HMIL is a defining moment in our history. He has shown exceptional leadership and deep understanding of the Indian automotive landscape.”
Under Garg’s leadership as COO, Hyundai achieved record-breaking performance for three consecutive years, including record sales, all-time high profits, and the country’s largest IPO in 2024 — a milestone that cemented Hyundai’s position as one of India’s most trusted automotive brands.
From Maruti Trainee to Hyundai Chief
Tarun Garg’s rise is a story of perseverance and vision. Starting his career as a management trainee at Maruti Suzuki India, Garg steadily climbed the ranks through critical roles in logistics, sales, and marketing. His journey spanned over two decades at Maruti, where he eventually became the Executive Director of Marketing, Logistics, Parts, and Accessories.
In 2019, he joined Hyundai Motor India as the head of sales, service, and marketing before being promoted to COO in 2023. Over the years, Garg has played a pivotal role in transforming Hyundai’s market strategy, expanding its SUV portfolio, and driving the company’s strong digital and customer experience initiatives.
A Leader with an Analytical Mind
A mechanical engineer from Delhi Technological University and an MBA from IIM Lucknow, Garg is known for his analytical approach and data-driven leadership style. He attributes this mindset to his father, mathematician and author P.K. Garg, saying, “I was always interested in data and trends. My father’s discipline and analytical thinking shaped how I make decisions even today.”
He believes leadership is about timely action and team empowerment. “It’s better to take an imperfect decision in time than to miss an opportunity. A good leader must also nurture the next line of talent,” Garg shared in an interview.
Steering Hyundai’s Next Growth Chapter
With Tarun Garg at the helm, Hyundai is preparing for what insiders call its “second phase of growth” in India. The company plans to expand its manufacturing capacity, strengthen its supply chain, and push for leadership in green mobility technologies.
Garg’s strategy also includes making India a key global export hub for emerging markets while advancing the company’s focus on innovation and sustainability.
His appointment not only marks a new era for Hyundai in India but also reflects the growing confidence of global automakers in Indian leadership. As the company gears up for 2026, industry observers expect Hyundai to double down on electric vehicles, connected technologies, and localisation efforts to stay ahead in India’s fast-evolving auto market.
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