In a major milestone for Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), Tarun Garg is all set to take charge as the Managing Director and CEO from January 1, 2026, becoming the first Indian to hold the top leadership position in the company’s nearly 30-year journey in India.
This appointment signifies Hyundai’s growing commitment to localization, leadership empowerment, and the recognition of Indian talent at a global level. Garg succeeds Unsoo Kim, who will be returning to South Korea to take up a strategic position at Hyundai Motor Company.
A Landmark Moment in Hyundai’s Indian Journey
For Hyundai Motor India, this leadership change marks more than a simple transition — it represents a deep acknowledgment of how vital the Indian market has become in Hyundai’s global ecosystem.
Over the past three decades, Hyundai India has evolved from being a subsidiary primarily serving the domestic market to one of Hyundai Motor Company’s largest export hubs and most profitable regions worldwide.
Now, for the first time, this crucial operation will be led by an Indian national who has risen through the ranks based on merit, vision, and an outstanding performance track record.
Tarun Garg: From Sales Head to MD & CEO
Tarun Garg’s rise within Hyundai has been nothing short of remarkable. He joined Hyundai Motor India in 2019 as the Head of Sales, Service, and Marketing, bringing with him over two decades of rich experience in the Indian automotive industry.
By 2023, Garg was elevated to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO), where he was entrusted with overseeing Hyundai’s complete operational spectrum, including sales, production, after-sales, and corporate strategy.
Key Highlights of His Tenure
- Record-breaking domestic sales for three consecutive years (2022–2024).
- Strong EBITDA growth, achieving the highest margin in Hyundai India’s history.
- Successful completion of India’s largest IPO in 2024.
- Digital transformation across sales and dealer networks.
- Customer satisfaction scores exceeding 90% in sales and service metrics.
Under Garg’s leadership, Hyundai not only strengthened its sales network but also pushed aggressively into new-age technologies, connected car solutions, and sustainability-driven operations.
From Maruti to Hyundai: A Proven Track Record
Before joining Hyundai, Tarun Garg had a long and successful stint with Maruti Suzuki India Limited, where he served in multiple senior positions, including Executive Director of Marketing, Logistics, and Parts.
His responsibilities included spearheading product planning, supply chain optimization, and developing retail channel strategies — experiences that later proved invaluable in Hyundai’s transformation journey.
Garg’s diverse career profile — spanning sales, marketing, finance, logistics, and product strategy — gives him a comprehensive 360° view of the automotive business, an asset that will help Hyundai navigate India’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
Leadership Philosophy: People, Performance & Purpose
Those who’ve worked with Tarun Garg often describe him as a “people-first leader” — someone who focuses as much on empowering teams as he does on achieving business targets.
He is widely respected for his customer-centric mindset and his belief that long-term success comes from putting customers, employees, and dealers at the heart of the organization.
Key Leadership Attributes
- Empathy-driven management
- Focus on digital transformation and innovation
- Strong belief in localization and sustainability
- Transparent communication and team empowerment
His initiatives like the MyHyundai App and HSMART dealer management system helped digitize nearly every customer touchpoint, improving convenience and consistency across Hyundai’s massive national network.
Historic IPO: A Turning Point Under Garg’s Supervision
One of Garg’s defining career milestones came in 2024, when Hyundai Motor India successfully executed its Initial Public Offering (IPO) — a historic event that became the largest IPO in Indian equity market history.
The listing not only showcased Hyundai’s strong fundamentals but also underlined India’s growing importance in the global automotive economy.
Under Garg’s guidance, Hyundai India achieved unprecedented investor confidence by demonstrating:
- Consistent revenue growth year over year.
- A stable export strategy contributing nearly 30% of total volumes.
- Leadership in SUV and compact car segments.
The IPO success cemented Garg’s reputation as a visionary leader capable of balancing strategic innovation with operational excellence.
Digital Transformation and Customer Experience
Tarun Garg has played a pivotal role in digitalizing Hyundai’s retail and service network. The introduction of tools such as MyHyundai, a unified customer app, and HSMART, an integrated dealer management system, revolutionized how Hyundai interacts with its customers and partners.
Impactful Results
- 90% Net Promoter Score (NPS) across sales and service.
- Real-time customer feedback integration into dealership performance metrics.
- Paperless transactions and AI-based predictive maintenance tools in service centres.
These steps have turned Hyundai into one of the most customer-trusted automobile brands in India, combining modern digital efficiency with personalized service.
Future Roadmap Under Tarun Garg’s Leadership
With Garg at the helm, Hyundai Motor India’s next growth chapter is expected to focus on four major pillars:
1. Customer-Centric Growth
Hyundai will continue investing in customer experience, from improving sales processes to enhancing ownership satisfaction. The focus will remain on building lifetime relationships rather than one-time transactions.
2. Local Manufacturing & Supply Chain Strength
Hyundai is expected to accelerate its localisation drive, sourcing more components domestically and strengthening its supplier ecosystem. This aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative and helps improve cost competitiveness.
3. Electrification and Sustainability
Under Garg’s leadership, Hyundai will expand its EV portfolio beyond the Kona and Ioniq models, introduce new locally manufactured electric SUVs, and invest in charging infrastructure through strategic partnerships.
4. Global Export Expansion
India is poised to become Hyundai’s largest export base outside South Korea, supplying cars to over 100 countries. Garg’s international exposure will help boost India’s contribution to global supply and new market penetration.
Hyundai’s Statement on Garg’s Appointment
José Muñoz, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, congratulated Tarun Garg on his appointment, emphasizing his instrumental role in Hyundai’s recent success.
“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.”
Muñoz also thanked outgoing MD Unsoo Kim for his contributions, particularly for establishing Hyundai India’s foundation of quality, safety, and brand trust.
Academic Background and Early Career
Tarun Garg holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Delhi Technological University (DTU) and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow.
This strong academic base, combined with over three decades of industry experience, makes him one of the most qualified and respected figures in India’s automotive leadership circle.
Conclusion
Tarun Garg’s elevation as the first Indian MD & CEO of Hyundai Motor India is more than a personal achievement — it symbolizes the evolution of India’s auto industry itself. From being a manufacturing hub to becoming a strategic nerve centre for global automakers, India now commands leadership recognition at the highest levels.
Garg’s vision for a customer-first, future-ready, and globally competitive Hyundai India will shape not just the company’s next decade but also set new benchmarks for the industry as a whole.
As Hyundai enters 2026 under his guidance, the journey ahead looks ambitious, human-centric, and undeniably transformative.
