Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the luxury automotive subsidiary of Tata Motors, has announced that P B Balaji will take over as its new Chief Executive Officer from November 2025. Balaji, currently serving as the Group Chief Financial Officer at Tata Motors, will succeed Adrian Mardell, who is set to retire after a distinguished 35-year career with the company.
Leadership Transition at a Critical Juncture
The appointment marks a significant leadership transition for JLR as it navigates an increasingly complex global automotive landscape. Balaji’s extensive experience within the Tata Group and his strategic involvement in JLR’s operations make him a natural choice for the role. He has been a central figure in Tata Motors’ financial and strategic evolution and currently serves on several group boards, including JLR, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, Tata Motors Finance Group, and Agratas — the entity behind a major upcoming battery manufacturing facility in Somerset, UK, aimed at supporting JLR’s electric mobility push.
Recognised Leadership and Global Experience
A mechanical engineering graduate from IIT Chennai and an IIM Kolkata alumnus, Balaji brings over three decades of leadership experience across both the automotive and fast-moving consumer goods sectors. His professional journey has taken him across major global markets, including Singapore, London, Switzerland, and Mumbai.
Reacting to his appointment, Balaji said, “It is an honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading JLR. Over the past eight years, I have grown deeply connected to the company and its iconic brands. I look forward to working with the team to build on the strong foundation laid over the years.”
Acknowledging Adrian Mardell’s Contributions
Balaji will take the reins from Adrian Mardell, who has led JLR since 2023 following the exit of former CEO Thierry Bolloré. Mardell’s tenure saw JLR steer through an ambitious transformation under the “Reimagine” strategy, which focused on electrification, enhanced profitability, and brand repositioning.
Reflecting on his time, Mardell said, “Leading JLR has been an incredible honour. Over the past three years, we’ve made significant strides in repositioning the brand and preparing it for the future. I leave the company in capable hands and wish Balaji all the best.”
Tata Group Chairman Endorses the Appointment
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, Tata Motors, and JLR, expressed gratitude to Mardell and confidence in Balaji’s leadership. “Adrian has played a pivotal role in JLR’s turnaround and leaves behind a legacy of record-breaking performance. Balaji’s deep understanding of the business and his involvement in shaping its strategy make him the right leader to drive the next phase of transformation.”
Challenges Ahead: EV Transition and Market Dynamics
Balaji steps into his new role at a critical point in JLR’s journey. The company is in the midst of transitioning towards a fully electric line-up, even as global demand for premium EVs shows signs of softening. One of the immediate challenges on his plate will be managing the delayed launch of the highly anticipated Range Rover Electric, initially scheduled for late 2025 but now pushed to 2026. Questions also remain about the timeline for the Jaguar Type 00 electric model, which is part of JLR’s electrification roadmap.
Balaji’s appointment signals a continuity in leadership and strategy, while also injecting new momentum into JLR’s future-focused ambitions. With his extensive experience and familiarity with the brand, he is expected to lead the British marque through its next era of innovation and growth.
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