Tata Motors Names Shailesh Chandra as New CEO Amid JLR Hacking; Who Is He?
In a move aimed at restoring stability to its operations, Tata Motors has appointed Shailesh Chandra as its new Managing Director and CEO, effective October 1. This leadership change comes amidst disruptions caused by the recent hacking incident at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), one of Tata's most prominent brands.
Shailesh Chandra, a veteran executive with over two decades of experience within the company, will take on the role for a period of three years until 2028. Prior to his appointment, he was serving as the Joint Managing Director at Tata Motors' passenger vehicles and passenger electric mobility businesses, a position he is expected to continue.
Chandra's career with Tata Motors spans over two decades, with a diverse range of roles under his belt. He joined the company in 1995 as a manager in production, moving up the ranks to become a Senior Manager at the vendor Development wing in 2001. In 2003, he was appointed as the Divisional Manager at Telco/Tata Motors for three years.
In 2012, Chandra was promoted to Deputy General Manager at the company's Vice Chairman Office, and later took a brief break from Tata Motors to join Tata Sons Limited in 2013. He returned to Tata Motors in 2015 as the Assistant Vice President at the Group Chairman's Office. In 2016, he became the head of corporate strategy and business administration, holding various roles within the company, including President of the Passenger Vehicles Unit and the Electric Mobility Business.
Chandra was named CEO and Managing Director of these units in 2022 and is expected to lead Tata Motors as its new MD and CEO from October 1. The leadership change comes at a time when Jaguar Land Rover is facing disruptions due to the recent hacking incident, which has paralysed operations and left smaller suppliers struggling.
As the UK government considers financial support for Jaguar Land Rover's suppliers, Tata Motors' decision to appoint Chandra as CEO marks an effort to restore stability to its operations. With his extensive experience within the company, Chandra is well-equipped to navigate the challenges facing JLR and lead Tata Motors towards a successful future.
Chandra will be replaced by Dhiman Gupta, who has been newly appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Gupta takes over from PB Balaji, who is set to become the CEO of Jaguar Land Rover. The changes come as part of an effort to ensure continuity and stability at Tata Motors during a critical period.
With Shailesh Chandra at the helm, Tata Motors is poised to overcome the challenges posed by the recent JLR hacking incident and navigate its journey towards long-term growth and success.