Jaguar Land Rover announces PB Balaji, current Chief Financial Officer of Tata Motors, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Jaguar Land Rover Appoints PB Balaji as New CEO

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced that PB Balaji will take over as its next chief executive, effective from mid-November 2025. Balaji, who currently serves as the group CFO of Tata Motors, will be the first Indian national and Tata Motors executive to lead the UK-based carmaker since its acquisition by Tata Motors in 2008.

Adrian Mardell, the current CEO of JLR, is retiring after 35 years at the company. Mardell has led JLR through a period of change and has cemented its position in the automotive industry. His leadership transition follows a period of stability at JLR, during which he guided the company through post-pandemic disruptions, early phases of electrification, and recent profitability gains.

Nigel Blenkinson, who was the Head of Product Development at Jaguar Land Rover before being promoted to Chief Transformation Officer, will report directly to Balaji once the CEO transition is complete. Blenkinson has been promoted to the role of chief transformation officer at JLR, overseeing transformation and delivery across operational programs.

Balaji brings extensive experience in global operations and supply chain finance to JLR. Before joining Tata Group, he spent over two decades at Unilever, where he held senior roles in finance, planning, and supply chain. This experience could support JLR in navigating external pressures and building more agile and regionalized supply networks.

JLR continues to face pressure due to delays in its EV program, rising tariffs, and regulatory shifts, particularly in the US market. The company is currently in the process of electrifying its full vehicle range by 2030. One of Balaji's first tasks will be to address these challenges and drive the company towards its electrification goals.

In addition to leading JLR, Balaji will also oversee the company's investment in UK-based battery production through parent Tata Group's gigafactory initiative. This investment will require new supplier partnerships, inbound logistics flows, and cost models. The closer integration between JLR and Tata Motors signalled by Balaji's appointment is expected to support these efforts.

PB Balaji has been a board member at JLR for the same period as serving as Tata Motors CFO since 2017. His familiarity with the company and its operations will undoubtedly prove valuable in his new role as CEO.

The appointment of PB Balaji as the new CEO of Jaguar Land Rover marks an exciting new chapter for the company. With his extensive experience in global operations and supply chain finance, as well as his deep understanding of JLR's operations, Balaji is well-positioned to lead the company through its electrification journey and beyond.

Jaguar Land Rover announces PB Balaji, current Chief Financial Officer of Tata Motors, as its new Chief Executive Officer.