London | August 2025 — In a move that marks a major milestone for Indian leadership in the global auto industry, PB Balaji has been appointed as the new CEO of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). This is the first time an Indian executive will lead the iconic British luxury automaker, now a subsidiary of Tata Motors.
Balaji has spent over three decades in the automotive sector, with leadership stints across Mahindra & Mahindra, General Motors, and Aston Martin. Most recently, he served as the Group CFO of Tata Motors, where he played a central role in streamlining operations, managing global finance, and enabling the company’s electric mobility push.
His appointment comes at a critical inflection point for JLR. As luxury carmakers double down on electric vehicles and next-gen software systems, Balaji will be responsible for executing the company’s transition to an EV-first portfolio while sustaining its strong brand equity across global markets.
According to industry insiders, Balaji’s financial discipline, global mindset, and operational acumen made him a natural choice to replace outgoing CEO Adrian Mardell.
Industry Context
JLR has posted strong revenue recovery in recent quarters, but faces intense pressure to compete with luxury EV players like Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes. Its ‘Reimagine’ strategy focuses on electrification, connected experiences, and high-margin offerings, which Balaji will now lead.
Final Take
This isn’t just a CEO reshuffle. It’s a strategic move that reinforces India’s growing presence in global boardrooms. For Indian founders in mobility, manufacturing, or EV-tech—this is a timely reminder that leadership isn’t just about scale. It’s about vision, timing, and trust.
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