Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the luxury vehicle subsidiary of the Tata Group, has announced a major leadership change with the appointment of P B Balaji as its next Chief Executive Officer. The announcement follows current CEO Adrian Mardell’s decision to step down after more than three decades with the company.
The transition was confirmed through a regulatory filing, with JLR’s Board of Directors officially approving Balaji’s appointment at its meeting held on August 4, 2025. He is set to take over the reins in November 2025. Mardell will remain with the company to support a smooth handover until the conclusion of his contract.
Leadership Legacy and Transition
Adrian Mardell, who spent 35 years at Jaguar Land Rover and served as CEO for the past three, will retire later this year. His long-standing contribution spanned pivotal phases in the company’s evolution, from internal restructuring to navigating global supply chain and electrification challenges.
JLR’s board acknowledged Mardell’s extensive tenure and expressed appreciation for his leadership during a transformative period for the automaker.
Who is P B Balaji?
P B Balaji is no stranger to the Tata ecosystem. Prior to his CEO appointment, he served as the Group Chief Financial Officer at Tata Motors for nearly eight years. His financial acumen and strategic foresight have been instrumental in Tata Motors’ performance and turnaround efforts in recent years.
Balaji’s professional background also includes a significant stint at Hindustan Unilever, where he held leadership roles in finance across various geographies, including Singapore. His early career focused on treasury and financial strategy, eventually leading to his appointment as VP of Finance for HUL before transitioning to the Tata Group.
Academic Background
Balaji is an alumnus of two of India’s most prestigious institutions. He completed his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in 1991, followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta, specializing in finance and operations.
What This Means for JLR
Balaji’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for Jaguar Land Rover as it deepens its focus on electrification, sustainable mobility, and global competitiveness. The company has been navigating a shifting automotive landscape — from evolving consumer demands to regulatory and economic pressures — while preparing to scale its electric vehicle strategy.
His track record in financial transformation, paired with deep Tata Group experience, suggests a leadership style that will likely blend fiscal discipline with innovation-driven growth.
As the industry accelerates toward electrification and digitalization, JLR’s leadership change signals Tata’s intent to solidify its position in the global luxury automotive space.
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IMAGE: Reuters
