Tata CFO PB Balaji Named New CEO Of JLR

Earlier today, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and parent firm Tata Motors Group (Tata) officially named a new CEO at the British automaker mentioned.

Following Adrian Mardell’s retirement, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has finally revealed his successor as company CEO earlier today. Appointed the role is current group chief financial official (CFO) of Tata Motors Group (Tata) PB Balaji.

The Indian national’s appointment, which takes effect starting Nov 2025, was confirmed via official statements issued by both JLR and parent group Tata.

Balaji helmed the CFO role for the latter since Nov 2017, boasting 32 years of experience in the automotive and consumer goods sectors. His CV also includes stints across various capacities including finance and supply chain, states JLR.

Additionally, both firms state Balaji has been “closely associated with the transformation” of the company, bringing experiences from Tata’s operations in Mumbai, London, Singapore and Switzerland.

Succeeding Mardell (left) now is Indian national PB Balaji (right), who currently helms the position of group CFO at parent firm Tata.

“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,” said Balaji in the official statement mentioned.

“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,” Balaji added further.

While Mardell's departure hadn't been announced prior until Autocar UK reported it last week, it was obviously long planned. The automaker's search for a replacement had been ongoing "for the past few months", according to Tata chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran.

Mardell led the firm as CEO since 2023 and is widely credited for turning the firm around.

As reported prior, Adrian Mardell retired after a 35-year stint with the British automaker, having spent approximately three years as CEO following his predecessor’s sudden departure in 2023 where he oversaw the marque’s switch to becoming an EV-only brand.

Critically, Mardell is also widely credited for turning JLR around from post-pandemic heavy losses and debts to posting record profits in a decade last year. He is also credited for leading the application of the group’s new ‘House of Brands’ retail strategy.