Hyundai Motor names Tarun Garg as the first Indian MD and CEO

Hyundai Motor India Limited (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. 

Mr. Garg becomes the first Indian national to take on this leadership role within HMIL, since the company’s establishment 29 years ago.

Currently Mr. Garg serves as the Whole-time Director & COO of HMIL. Following a smooth transition, the incumbent Managing Director, Unsoo Kim, will return to a role at Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), South Korea.

“This appointment reflects Hyundai’s strong confidence in India’s leadership capabilities and India’s growing strategic importance within the global automotive landscape. Mr. Garg was identified for this position by HMC,” the company said in a statement.

Over the past two years, Mr. Garg has worked closely with global management in preparation for this elevation.

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,” he added.

Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, HMIL said, “Having worked closely with Tarun over the years, I have witnessed first-hand 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.”

Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director & COO, HMIL expressed, “I am deeply honoured by the trust and confidence placed in me by Hyundai Motor Group.”

In his new role as Managing Director and CEO of HMIL, Mr. Garg’s strategic focus will be on Future Strategy Focussed, Market & People Centred, Customer Orientation and further Impetus to Make in India. Prior to HMIL, Mr. Garg had worked with Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL).