Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the British luxury automotive arm of Tata Motors, has announced the appointment of P.B. Balaji as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 2025. He will take over from Adrian Mardell, who will retire after three decades with the company, including three years as CEO.
Balaji, currently serving as Group CFO of Tata Motors, has been a key architect in the group’s ongoing transformation and has worked closely with the JLR leadership over the past several years. His appointment follows a formal board-led succession process.
N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Motors, and Tata Sons, said, “I would like to thank Adrian for the stellar turnaround of JLR and for delivering record results. I am delighted to appoint Balaji as the incoming CEO. He has been associated with the Company for the past many years and is familiar with the strategy. This move will ensure that we continue to accelerate our journey to Reimagine JLR.”
During Mardell’s tenure, JLR has made notable progress in its Reimagine strategy, which focuses on electrification, profitability, and premium brand elevation. Reflecting on his time at JLR, Mardell said, “These three years have been a great privilege. Together with the incredible JLR workforce, we have cemented JLR’s position in the automotive industry during a time of incredible change. I wish Balaji every success in his new role.”
Balaji, a mechanical engineer from IIT Chennai and an alumnus of IIM Kolkata, brings with him 32 years of experience across the automotive and FMCG sectors, including stints in Singapore, London, Switzerland, and Mumbai. He said, “It is my privilege to lead this incredible company. Over the past eight years, I have grown to know and love JLR and its iconic global brands. I look forward to working with the team to take it to even greater heights.”
Balaji’s elevation signals continuity and renewed momentum for JLR’s transformation, as the company sharpens its focus on product electrification, operating efficiencies, and global brand positioning.