Hyundai Motor India appoints Tarun Garg as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has announced the appointment of Tarun Garg as the next managing director and chief executive officer of the company, subject to approval of shareholders, effective January 01, 2026. This marks a significant milestone, as Garg becomes the first Indian national to take on this leadership role within HMIL, since the company’s establishment 29 years ago. At present, Garg serves as the whole-time director & COO of HMIL. Following a smooth transition, the incumbent managing director, Unsoo Kim, will return to a strategic role at Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), South Korea. Over the past two years, Garg has worked closely with global management in preparation for this elevation.

Commenting on this announcement, 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, 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 elevation,Tarun Garg, whole-time director & COO, HMIL expressed, “I am deeply honoured by the trust and confidence placed in me by Hyundai Motor Group. India’s automotive sector is in an exciting phase of transformation and I aim to contribute to HMIL’s continued growth in this market by stepping into this role. Success in this industry demands excellence across every touchpoint, from design and engineering to manufacturing, sales and service and I am fortunate to work alongside Hyundai’s talented employees, dealer partners and supplier partners who make it all possible. Together, we will stay focused on strengthening HMIL’s legacy of customer delight and loyalty built over the past 29 years, ensuring our journey continues to shape the future of mobility and build lasting connections in India.”

In his role as managing director and CEO of HMIL, 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.

Prior to bringing his expertise to HMIL, Garg  was with Maruti Suzuki India (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