Jaguar Land Rover names Tata group CFO Balaji as CEO

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has named Tata Motors Group chief financial officer (CFO) P.B. Balaji as its next chief executive officer, effective November, making him the first Indian to head the British luxury carmaker since Tata acquired it in 2008.

The company announced the appointment on Monday, 4 August, confirming that Balaji will succeed Adrian Mardell, who is retiring after 35 years at the company, including the past three as CEO.

Balaji has served as a non-executive director on JLR’s board since 2017 and has overseen the group’s financial strategy during a period of major restructuring at both Tata Motors and its UK subsidiary.

“I am delighted to appoint Balaji as the incoming CEO,” said N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, Tata Motors, and Jaguar Land Rover. “He has been associated with the company for many years and is familiar with the strategy and the leadership team. This move will ensure that we continue to accelerate our journey to Reimagine JLR.”

Balaji, a graduate of IIT Madras and IIM Calcutta, joined Tata Motors from Hindustan Unilever in 2017.

“It is my privilege to lead this incredible company. Over the past eight 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,” Balaji said in a statement.

The leadership change comes as JLR continues to navigate its “Reimagine” strategy, a sweeping transformation plan focused on electrification and brand repositioning.

The company has faced growing competitive pressure, a recent slowdown in EV demand, and geopolitical headwinds including a 25% US tariff on UK-made cars.

Earlier this year, the firm briefly paused exports to the US and saw a 15% drop in quarterly sales.

Mardell said in his statement, “These three years have been a great privilege. Together with the incredible JLR workforce, we have cemented JLR’s position in the automotive industry during a time of incredible change.”

The appointment strengthens the integration between Tata Motors and JLR and signals the parent company’s continued strategic influence over its marquee British brand.

Balaji’s financial expertise and familiarity with both organizations position him to drive operational stability amid uncertain global conditions, analysts said.