PB Balaji Named CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, Becomes First Indian to Lead Iconic British Carmaker

In a landmark appointment, Tata Group has announced PB Balaji as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), making him the first Indian to helm the prestigious UK-based luxury automotive brand. His appointment was approved by the Board of Directors of JLR during its meeting on August 4 and will take effect from November 2025.

Balaji will take over from Adrian Mardell, who is stepping down after a distinguished 35-year career at JLR, including three years as CEO. Mardell will remain with the company until the end of his contract to support a smooth leadership transition.

A Strategic Appointment from Within Tata Group

Currently serving as the Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Tata Motors, PB Balaji has played a pivotal role in the financial transformation of the company since joining in 2017. Tata Motors acquired Jaguar Land Rover in 2008, and Balaji has been closely associated with JLR’s leadership and strategic planning over the years.

Speaking on the appointment, N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover, said,

“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. He is deeply familiar with the company, its strategy and leadership team, which will ensure we continue to accelerate our journey to reimagine JLR.”

Balaji’s Journey and Background

PB Balaji is a seasoned global executive with over three decades of experience across the automotive and consumer goods industries. Prior to joining Tata Group, he held senior roles at Hindustan Unilever and Unilever Singapore, gaining extensive experience in finance, supply chain, and global operations.

He holds a B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Madras and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Calcutta. Balaji has worked in leadership roles across Mumbai, London, Singapore, and Switzerland, and is credited with leading large, diverse teams through major transformation programmes.

Reflecting on his appointment, Balaji said,

“It is my privilege to lead this incredible company. Over the past eight years, I have grown to know and love JLR and its iconic global brands. I look forward to working with the team to take it to even greater heights.”

Jaguar Land Rover’s Future Under New Leadership

Balaji’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture for Jaguar Land Rover, which is undergoing a strategic evolution under its “Reimagine” plan, a vision to transition into an electric-first, modern luxury carmaker. With his finance and operational expertise, Balaji is expected to play a key role in driving growth, innovation, and sustainability for the company.

His elevation also reflects Tata Group’s broader confidence in homegrown leadership and the strength of its talent pipeline, a move that signals India’s increasing influence in the global automotive landscape.