In a historic appointment that underscores India's rising leadership footprint in global business, Tata Motors has announced PB Balaji as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). Balaji will take over the reins in November 2025, becoming the first Indian to lead the iconic British luxury automobile brand.
The announcement was made following a meeting of the Board of Directors of JLR on August 4, where the transition was formally approved. Balaji will succeed Adrian Mardell, who has served as CEO for the past three years and has spent a remarkable 35 years with the company. Mardell will stay on to ensure a smooth transition until the end of his contractual term.
Currently serving as the Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Tata Motors, PB Balaji has been a key figure in Tata Group’s transformation strategy. With over 32 years of experience in the automotive and consumer goods sectors, Balaji brings a wealth of leadership expertise in finance and supply chain management. His professional journey has seen him lead global teams from business hubs such as Mumbai, London, Singapore, and Switzerland.
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, Tata Motors, and Jaguar Land Rover PLC, expressed his appreciation for Mardell’s contribution and welcomed Balaji’s appointment. “Adrian delivered a remarkable turnaround for JLR, steering it to record performance. I am delighted to appoint Balaji, who is deeply familiar with the company’s strategy and operations, as the incoming CEO. This move ensures we stay on track with our 'Reimagine JLR' vision,” said Chandrasekaran.
Balaji, in his official statement, expressed gratitude and excitement about taking on the role. “It is my privilege to lead this incredible company. Over the last eight years, I have come to know and deeply respect JLR and its powerful global brands. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to take JLR to new heights,” he said.
Balaji holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Madras and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM. Since joining Tata Motors in November 2017, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s financial strategy and has been closely involved with JLR’s leadership and operations.
This appointment is not only significant for the Tata Group but also marks a major milestone in Indian corporate leadership making its mark on iconic global brands. PB Balaji's elevation to the top job at Jaguar Land Rover is seen as a move that will further accelerate the company’s transformation and global competitiveness in the luxury automobile segment.
