P B Balaji becomes first Indian CEO of Jaguar Land Rover

In a landmark announcement that signals a new era for both Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Indian industry, Tata Motors has appointed Mr. P.B. Balaji as the next Chief Executive Officer of the iconic British marque. Effective November 2025, Balaji will take the wheel as the first Indian CEO in JLR’s storied history, and only the fifth person to hold the position since Tata Motors acquired the company in 2008.

This historic move marks a powerful statement on the growing influence of Indian leadership in global luxury and innovation sectors. Balaji’s appointment is not only a proud milestone for Tata Motors but also a defining moment for Indian executives on the world stage.

He takes over from Adrian Mardell, who will retire after three decades of dedicated service to the company, including a pivotal three-year tenure as CEO. Under Mardell’s leadership, JLR navigated a challenging automotive landscape marked by electrification, sustainability goals, and evolving luxury consumer expectations.

Currently serving as the Group CFO of Tata Motors since 2017, Balaji has been instrumental in the financial and operational turnaround of the group. His leadership has steered Tata Motors through dynamic transformation and rapid innovation, especially as the brand pushes forward with its commitment to sustainability, digital innovation, and next-gen mobility.

With over 32 years of global experience spanning the automotive and consumer goods sectors, Balaji brings a rare blend of strategic foresight, financial acumen, and cross-cultural leadership. His career has taken him across major global hubs like Mumbai, London, Singapore, and Switzerland, leading large, diverse teams in complex international environments.

An alumnus of IIT Chennai (B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering) and IIM Kolkata, Balaji’s appointment reflects the growing convergence of engineering expertise and visionary leadership that defines the Tata Group ethos.

Mr Chandrasekaran, Chairman Jaguar Land Rover PLC, Tata Motors and Tata Sons says, “I would like to thank Adrian for the stellar turnaround of JLR and for delivering record results. I am delighted to appoint Balaji as the incoming CEO of the company. The search for a suitable candidate to lead JLR has been undertaken by the Board for the past few months and after careful consideration it was decided to appoint Balaji. He has been associated with the Company for the past many years and is familiar with the Company, its strategy and has been working with the JLR leadership team. This move will ensure that we continue to accelerate our journey to Reimagine JLR.”

Mr Balaji shares, “It is my privilege to lead this incredible company. Over the past 8 years I have grown to know and love this company and its redoubtable global brands. I look forward to working with the team to take it to even greater heights. I thank Adrian for his immense contributions and wish him well for his next innings.”

The symbolism is rich and resonant- an Indian leader heading a quintessential British icon. But this is not just about heritage; it’s about the future. With P.B. Balaji in the driver’s seat, Jaguar Land Rover is poised to not only uphold its legacy but to redefine what it means to be a global luxury mobility brand in the 21st century.