In a landmark decision for the Indian automotive sector, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced that Tarun Garg will be appointed as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. This promotion marks a significant first, making Garg the initial Indian national to helm the company since its entry into the Indian market nearly three decades ago.
Garg will be taking the reins from the current MD & CEO, Unsoo Kim, who is slated to return to Hyundai Motor Company’s headquarters in South Korea for a new strategic assignment. This leadership transition signals a new chapter for one of India’s top automakers.
A Meteoric Rise Built on Record Performance
Tarun Garg’s ascent to the top position is a testament to his profound impact on Hyundai’s Indian operations in a relatively short time. He joined HMIL in 2019 as the Director of Sales, Service, and Marketing. His effective leadership in these critical areas led to his rapid promotion to Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2023, where he assumed responsibility for the company’s entire operational landscape.
The results under his watch speak for themselves. Hyundai India celebrated its highest-ever domestic sales for three years running, a clear indicator of strong market demand and effective commercial strategy. Beyond volume, the company also achieved record financial health, posting its strongest-ever EBITDA margin in FY24.
One of the most notable achievements during this period was the execution of Hyundai Motor India’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2024. This wasn’t just a success; it became a milestone for the entire Indian financial market, emerging as the largest IPO in the country’s history.
A Foundation of Digital and Customer-Centric Innovation
Garg’s leadership extended beyond sales charts and balance sheets. He was a driving force behind key digital transformations designed to enhance the customer and dealer experience. Initiatives like the MyHyundai app for owners and the HSMART suite for the dealer network were instrumental in achieving an exceptional Net Promoter Score (NPS) of over 90% across sales and service touchpoints.
This focus on the customer is deeply rooted in Garg’s philosophy. José Muñoz, President & Global COO of Hyundai Motor Company, commented on the appointment, stating, “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.” Muñoz also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing CEO Unsoo Kim in laying a strong foundation for the company’s current success.
A Veteran’s Roadmap for the Future
Before his tenure at Hyundai, Tarun Garg accumulated over three decades of automotive expertise, with a significant portion of his career at Maruti Suzuki. There, he held senior positions, including Executive Director of Marketing, giving him a comprehensive understanding of sales, distribution, and product strategy in the Indian context.
His educational background, combining a mechanical engineering degree from Delhi Technological University with an MBA from IIM Lucknow, provides a unique blend of technical and commercial acumen.
Looking ahead, the company has indicated that Garg’s leadership will continue to strengthen core pillars: a customer-centric approach, future-ready strategies, bolstering local manufacturing, and enhancing India’s strategic role as a global export hub for Hyundai. His historic appointment is not just a change of guard but a powerful signal of Hyundai’s deepening commitment to its Indian operations and leadership.
