Jaguar Land Rover welcomes PB Balaji as its new CEO, making him the first Indian to steer the company's wheels.
New Indian CEO Takes the Helm at Jaguar Land Rover
PB Balaji, a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in the automotive and consumer goods industries, has been appointed as the new CEO of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), effective from mid-November 2025. Balaji currently serves as the Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Tata Motors, the parent company of JLR, a position he has held since 2017.
Balaji's career trajectory includes stints at Unilever, where he held senior roles in finance, planning, and supply chain management worldwide, including the role of Vice President Finance for Unilever Americas Supply Chain. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, and a postgraduate diploma in management from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta.
Balaji's appointment marks a significant milestone for JLR, as he will be the first Indian CEO of the British firm since Tata Motors acquired it in 2008. N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Jaguar Land Rover PLC, Tata Motors, and Tata Sons, led the search for a new CEO and expressed confidence in Balaji's ability to take the company to "even greater heights."
Adrian Mardell, who Balaji will succeed, is retiring after 35 years with JLR, including three years as CEO. Under Mardell’s leadership, JLR achieved record financial results and strengthened its product lineup, particularly focusing on electrification and high-margin flagship models. Mardell will help with the transition and support until the end of his contract.
Balaji's familiarity with JLR's strategy and leadership team, coupled with his extensive experience in finance and supply chain functions, positions him well to steer JLR through its ongoing transformation and electrification plans. Balaji is also well-acquainted with JLR's global brands and has been associated with the company for many years.
JLR has been affected by tariffs in its largest market, the US, and is currently facing criticism over a makeover to become an electric-only brand. Balaji expressed his excitement to work with the JLR team and take the company to new heights.
Balaji's appointment was approved by the Board of Directors of Jaguar Land Rover on August 4, 2022, and he is widely regarded as a well-regarded global leader in the automotive industry.
Balaji takes over from Mardell in November 2025, and he is looking forward to the challenge and opportunity to lead one of the world's premier luxury automotive brands.
Balaji's extensive experience in finance, technology, and supply chain management across various industries will likely influence his approach to the business and lifestyle aspects of leading Jaguar Land Rover. As the first Indian CEO of the British firm, Balaji's appointment is significant and will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the brand's future in the technology-driven automotive industry, particularly in the realm of electrification.
Moreover, Balaji's familiarity with cars, having been associated with JLR for many years, combined with his understanding of the company's strategy and leadership team, suggests that he will leverage this knowledge to steer the company through its ongoing transformation, addressing challenges such as tariffs in the US market and the shift towards an electric-only brand, while also exploring new opportunities for growth.
