Tata Executive Set to Assume Leadership at JLR
New Indian Business Leader Takes the Helm at Jaguar Land Rover
P.B. Balaji, an experienced business executive with a background in both the automotive and consumer goods industries, has been appointed as the new CEO of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) from November 2025. He will succeed Adrian Mardell, who is retiring from the position.
Balaji's career began at Unilever in 1995, where he held various corporate finance roles across multiple regions. He served as Vice President of Treasury at Unilever Singapore and later became Vice President of Finance at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) in India. In 2017, he joined Tata Motors as the Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and has been a member of the JLR board since December 2017.
Balaji's leadership at Tata Motors is seen as a significant factor in his appointment as CEO of JLR. During his tenure at Tata Motors, he played a key role in the successful transformation of the Tata Motors Group. His strong financial expertise and experience managing large organizations established the foundation for his leadership roles.
As the new CEO of JLR, Balaji will be entrusted with steering the luxury brand during its strategic transformation towards electric and sustainable vehicles. His extensive experience in finance and leadership across diverse global environments, including Mumbai, London, Singapore, and Switzerland, will aid in managing JLR's operations.
JLR reported revenues of over £37.7 billion ($50 billion) for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, with the majority coming from the success of its Range Rover and Defender SUV models. These models have been successful in key markets like the U.S., but they now face bigger import duties in the U.S., despite the trade deal between the U.S and U.K. governments.
Tata Motors views the appointment of Balaji as a means to secure greater control over JLR. Balaji's experience in finance and supply chain functions will undoubtedly be beneficial in this regard. As Balaji sees his new role as a privilege, he is poised to lead JLR through its next phase of growth and transformation.
[1] https://www.autocarindia.com/business/balaji-to-take-over-as-jlr-ceo-from-november-2025-852677 [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57800627 [3] https://www.hindustantimes.com/auto/jlrs-new-ceo-pb-balaji-has-32-years-of-experience-in-automotive-and-consumer-goods-industries/story-8Z1zlQKI1VpjhXnO4Q3XJK.html [4] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tata-motors-appoints-pb-balaji-as-new-jlr-ceo-2021-10-29/ [5] https://www.ft.com/content/9e0544c9-32a6-4d94-b45a-5f3e81b6c878
- Balaji's appointment as the new CEO of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in 2025 signifies a crucial step for the automotive industry, given his extensive experience in both the automotive and consumer goods sectors.
- With Balaji's transition from Tata Motors to JLR, the finance and supply chain functions within the automotive industry are anticipated to witness profound changes, reflecting his proven leadership and expertise in these domains.
- As JLR's new CEO, Balaji's role extends beyond steering the company towards electric and sustainable vehicles; he will also be instrumental in managing the intricacies of the transportation industry, especially in light of the ongoing trade negotiations and import duties affecting key markets like the U.S.
