New Delhi: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced a historic leadership change, appointing Tarun Garg as the company’s next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026, pending shareholder approval. This marks the first time an Indian national will lead the South Korean auto giant’s Indian operations in its 29-year history.
Currently serving as Whole-time Director & Chief Operating Officer (COO) at HMIL, Mr. Garg will take over from Unsoo Kim, the incumbent MD, who will transition to a strategic role at Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), South Korea, following a seamless handover.
The move underscores Hyundai’s confidence in India’s leadership talent and the country’s growing strategic significance in the global automotive landscape. Mr. Garg’s elevation was recommended by HMC after close collaboration with the company’s global management over the past two years, reflecting his preparedness to steer HMIL into the next phase of growth.
Jose Munoz, President & CEO of HMC, hailed the appointment as a “defining moment” for HMIL. He highlighted Mr. Garg’s transformative leadership, noting that under his stewardship as COO, HMIL achieved record sales for three consecutive years, posted record-breaking profits, and executed India’s largest IPO in 2024. Munoz emphasized Garg’s people-first approach: “Success happens when you treat customers like honoured guests, empower your teams, and invest for the long term.”
Munoz also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing MD, Unsoo Kim, for laying the foundation for HMIL’s current achievements.
Reacting to his appointment, Tarun Garg said, “I am deeply honoured by the trust and confidence placed in me by Hyundai Motor Group. India’s automotive sector is undergoing an exciting transformation, and I aim to contribute to HMIL’s continued growth in this market.”
He further highlighted his commitment to excellence across design, engineering, manufacturing, sales, and service, while recognizing the role of employees, dealer partners, and suppliers in the company’s success. “Together, we will continue to strengthen HMIL’s legacy of customer delight and loyalty built over the past 29 years, shaping the future of mobility in India and forging lasting connections,” Mr. Garg added.
Tarun Garg’s elevation represents a milestone for India’s automotive leadership, reflecting the growing localization of global companies and the trust placed in Indian executives to lead major international operations. With the country emerging as a hub for innovation, electric vehicles, and mobility solutions, Garg’s leadership is expected to focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and strengthening Hyundai’s market leadership in India.
The industry will closely watch HMIL under Mr. Garg’s leadership as it navigates changing consumer preferences, electrification trends, and global supply chain dynamics, marking a new chapter in the company’s nearly three-decade journey in India.