From Finance to the Fast Lane: P.B. Balaji Takes the Wheel as JLR CEO
In a significant leadership transition for the luxury automotive industry, P.B. Balaji has officially taken up the role of Chief Executive Officer for JLR (Jaguar Land Rover). Announced on 04 August 2025, his appointment came into effect on Monday, 17 November 2025. Balaji succeeds Adrian Mardell, who is retiring after three years in the top role and a distinguished 35-year career with the company.
Balaji steps into this crucial role with a wealth of experience, making him a strategic choice for JLR’s future. Prior to this promotion, he served as the highly influential Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Tata Motors Group since November 2017. In this capacity, he was instrumental in driving the parent company’s financial performance and transformation, being a key architect in helping Tata Motors seize future opportunities while focusing on profitable growth. Balaji’s familiarity with JLR is long-standing, as he has also served as a non-executive director on the JLR Board since December 7, 2017.
The new JLR CEO is a global finance professional with almost three decades of experience spanning the demanding FMCG and Automotive industries. An alumnus of two of India’s most prestigious institutions, he holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, and a post-graduate degree in management from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta.
Balaji started his career with Unilever in 1995, progressing through various senior corporate finance roles across key international markets, including Switzerland, the UK, and Asian regions. His last assignment before joining Tata Motors in 2017 was as the CFO of Hindustan Unilever, a major enterprise.
His elevation ensures continuity and renewed momentum as JLR accelerates its “Reimagine” strategy, which focuses heavily on electrification and premium brand elevation. Balaji’s strategic vision and deep financial acumen are expected to be vital as JLR navigates the rapidly evolving global electric vehicle market. He also currently sits on the Boards of other major Tata Group companies, including Tata Consumer, Air India, and Titan Industries.
