Tata Motors has announced the appointment of P. B. Balaji, Group Chief Financial Officer, as the new Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), effective November 17, 2025. This appointment marks a historic milestone, as Balaji becomes the first Indian to lead the iconic British luxury automobile brand.
Balaji will succeed Adrian Mardell, who is set to retire after a 35-year tenure at JLR, including three years at the helm as CEO. Under Mardell’s leadership, JLR witnessed a notable financial turnaround and made significant strides in its transformation strategy.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, Tata Motors, and JLR, expressed appreciation for Mardell’s contribution and confidence in Balaji’s new role. He stated, “Balaji’s deep understanding of the business, strategic insight, and long-standing association with JLR make him the right choice to lead the company forward in this transformative phase.”
Balaji brings over three decades of global experience in finance, operations, and strategic transformation. Since joining Tata Motors in 2017, he has played a key role in driving the company’s financial stability and long-term strategic initiatives, contributing significantly to both Tata Motors and JLR.
Expressing his gratitude, Balaji said, “It is an honour to lead Jaguar Land Rover, a company with such rich heritage and global recognition. I look forward to working closely with the talented team to continue building on its legacy and drive innovation for the future.”
This leadership transition comes at a pivotal time as JLR intensifies its focus on electrification, luxury rebranding, and sustainable mobility under its ongoing “Reimagine” strategy. Balaji’s appointment also aligns with Tata Motors’ broader restructuring efforts to grant greater independence to its business verticals and strengthen global competitiveness.
