P.B. Balaji has been chosen Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), making him the first Indian to hold the top position at the prestigious British automobile brand. Balaji succeeds Adrian Mardell, who has stated a wish to retire from JLR after three years as CEO and 35 years at the company. Currently appointed as Group CFO of the Tata Group, Balaji will take over as JLR CEO with effect from November this year.
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman Jaguar Land Rover PLC, 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 of the company. The search for a suitable candidate to lead JLR has been undertaken by the Board for the past few months and after careful consideration it was decided to appoint Balaji. He has been associated with the Company for the past many years and is familiar with the Company, its strategy and has been working with the JLR leadership team. This move will ensure that we continue to accelerate our journey to Reimagine JLR.”
Adrian 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 would like to thank everyone in JLR and the extended Tata Group, and wish Balaji every success in his new role.”
P.B.Balaji said “It is my privilege to lead this incredible company. Over the past 8 years I have grown to know and love this company and its redoubtable global brands. I look forward to working with the team to take it to even greater heights. I thank Adrian for his immense contributions and wish him well for his next innings.”
A mechanical engineering graduate from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, Finance, Operations from Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, Balaji has been serving as the Group Chief Financial Officer of the Tata Motors Group since November 2017 and has also worked with Hindustann Unilever Limited for more than eight years as VP, Finance and then being promoted as the brand’s CFO.
With 32 years of experience in finance and supply chain in the automotive and consumer goods industries, Balajii has led varied worldwide teams in Mumbai, London, Singapore, and Switzerland, and played a key role in Tata Motors Group’s successful transition. As Balaji takes leadership of Jaguar Land Rover, the company prepares for a new age of growth and grandeur. His leadership is poised to honour the brand’s rich history while establishing a bold course for future growth and sustainability.
