Hyundai appoints an Indian for the first time. Who is Tarun Garg, the Korean company’s savior?

New Delhi: Auto giant Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has appointed Tarun Garg as its next MD and CEO. This is the first time the company has appointed an Indian. His tenure will begin on January 1, 2026. Garg has 32 years of experience in the auto industry. He currently serves as the company’s full-time director and COO. He will replace Unsoo Kim, who is returning to a strategic role at parent company Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea. HMIL was founded 29 years ago and is among the country’s top car companies.

The company said in a statement that Garg has extensive experience in sales, marketing, distribution, financial management, product strategy, and brand communications. He has been closely associated with global management for the past two years. Commenting on his appointment, Hyundai Motor President and CEO Jose Munoz said Tarun becomes the first Indian to lead HMIL in its nearly three-decade history. During his tenure as COO, the company achieved record sales, earned record profits, and launched the country’s largest IPO.