Who is Tarun Garg? First Indian chief to head auto giant Hyundai Motor India — Here’s what you should know

The Indian arm of South Korean automotive giant Hyundai Motor announced that Tarun Garg has joined the company on January 1, 2026, becoming the first Indian to hold the title of General Manager (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

In its BSE filing, Hyundai Motor India said that for the first time in 29 years, the automaker has appointed an Indian national to head the country’s operations to lead the second phase of growth in India.

“Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) today announced that Mr. Tarun Garg has officially assumed charge as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD and CEO) with effect from January 1, 2026,” the company said in a press release. he said.

Jose Munoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, announced in a social media post in October 2025 that the automaker has appointed Garg as the next MD and CEO of its Indian arm.

“I have had the privilege of working closely with Tarun over the last two years. He is a transformative leader who brings a progressive vision and deep understanding of the Indian market,” said Munoz.

Who is Tarun Garg?

Tarun Garg is one of the doyens of the automotive industry with nearly three decades of experience in the Indian automobile industry. The 54-year-old executive started his career in the industry in 1994 as Deputy Logistics Manager at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.

Rising through the ranks in the company, Garg became the National Sales Manager of Maruti Suzuki India in July 2010 and later served as the firm’s Executive Director, Marketing, before leaving the company in December 2019 after a tenure of nearly 26 years.

Tarun Garg joined Hyundai Motor India as Director, Sales, Marketing and Service in December 2019 and was promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) in January 2023, after five years in the role.

Before his recent promotion to MD and CEO, he was working as COO of the auto giant’s India operations.

On the education front, Tarun Garg holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering and later completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow in 1994.

What does the future hold for Hyundai Motor India?

In its BSE filing, Hyundai Motor India disclosed that the company now aims to focus on electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, connected mobility and more. ₹45,000 crore investment by 2030.

“My vision is to build on our strong foundation while accelerating HMIL’s transformation towards sustainable growth, technological leadership and unmatched customer satisfaction,” Tarun Garg said in an official statement.

The company also plans to strengthen its dealer and supplier networks to provide a seamless experience, while also deepening customers’ trust in the brand.