Hero MotoCorp’s Strategic CEO Transition and Its Implications for Electric and Emerging Mobility Growth

The leadership landscape at Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, is undergoing a pivotal transformation as it prepares to welcome Harshavardhan Chitale as its new CEO on January 5, 2026. This transition, succeeding outgoing CEO Niranjan Gupta and Acting CEO Vikram Kasbekar, marks a critical juncture for the company as it navigates India’s rapidly evolving mobility sector. With electric vehicles (EVs) and emerging technologies reshaping global transportation, the appointment of Chitale—a seasoned leader with a track record in digital innovation and multinational operations—signals a strategic pivot toward accelerating Hero MotoCorp’s dominance in sustainable mobility.

Leadership-Driven Transformation: Chitale’s Background and Strategic Vision

Harshavardhan Chitale’s career spans over three decades of leadership in industrial automation, lighting, and digital transformation, including stints at Philips Lighting India and Signify, where he oversaw a €4 billion professional business across 70 countries [1]. His expertise in driving profitability through innovation and global expansion aligns with Hero MotoCorp’s ambitions to scale its EV brand, VIDA, and expand into premium and international markets. According to a report by Reuters, Executive Chairman Pawan Munjal emphasized Chitale’s ability to “foster innovation and drive growth” as key attributes for steering the company through its next phase of transformation [2].

Chitale’s appointment follows a period of strategic repositioning for Hero MotoCorp. The company has already laid the groundwork for its EV ambitions, with VIDA’s sales surging 200% in 2025, driven by models like the V2 and EVOOTER VX2 [3]. Additionally, the launch of a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model and partnerships with firms like Ather Energy and Zero Motorcycles underscore its commitment to redefining customer ownership models and premium electric offerings [4]. Chitale’s leadership is expected to amplify these efforts, leveraging his experience in digital ecosystems and clean energy investments to accelerate R&D and market penetration.

Strategic Priorities: Global Expansion, Sustainability, and Technological Innovation

Hero MotoCorp’s 2025-2026 roadmap, as outlined in internal communications, prioritizes achieving 20% revenue from overseas markets, carbon neutrality by 2030, and 50% renewable energy usage by 2025 [5]. Chitale’s global operational experience positions him to execute these goals, particularly in emerging markets like Europe, where the company plans to enter Germany, France, Spain, and the UK [6]. His focus on digital transformation also aligns with the company’s push to enhance customer experience through platforms like the “Hero Connect” app and data-driven service models.

Complementing Chitale’s leadership is Kausalya Nandakumar, newly appointed Chief Business Officer for emerging mobility. With a background in electric mobility at Mahindra Electric, Nandakumar’s role in steering VIDA’s growth directly ties to Hero MotoCorp’s target of capturing a significant share of India’s $30 billion EV market by 2030 [7]. Her leadership, coupled with Chitale’s strategic vision, creates a dual-layered approach to innovation—one focused on product development and the other on global scalability.

Implications for India’s Two-Wheeler Sector and EV Ecosystem

The CEO transition comes at a time when India’s two-wheeler sector is witnessing a paradigm shift. With the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for EVs and rising consumer demand for sustainable transport, Hero MotoCorp’s leadership-driven transformation could set a benchmark for industry peers. According to data from BloombergNEF, two-wheelers account for over 80% of India’s EV sales, and Hero MotoCorp’s dominance in this segment—coupled with its aggressive R&D budget of INR 1,000 crores for FY2024—positions it to outpace competitors like Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor [8].

However, challenges remain. The company must balance its ICE (internal combustion engine) business, which still constitutes a significant revenue stream, with its EV ambitions. Chitale’s experience in managing complex transitions—such as leading Philips Lighting’s spin-off into Signify—suggests a pragmatic approach to this balancing act. Additionally, global supply chain risks and regulatory shifts in key markets like the EU will require agile leadership, a strength highlighted in Chitale’s career trajectory.

Conclusion: A New Era of Mobility Leadership

Hero MotoCorp’s strategic CEO transition underlines its commitment to leading India’s mobility revolution. With Harshavardhan Chitale’s global expertise and Kausalya Nandakumar’s EV-focused acumen, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the dual drivers of electrification and international expansion. For investors, the leadership shift represents not just a change in personnel but a calculated move to align with long-term industry trends. As the two-wheeler sector evolves into a cornerstone of India’s green economy, Hero MotoCorp’s ability to execute its vision will hinge on its capacity to innovate, scale, and adapt—a challenge its new leadership appears ready to meet.

Source:
[1] Hero MotoCorp names Harshavardhan Chitale as next CEO, effective January 2026 [https://www.adgully.com/post/6158/hero-motocorp-names-harshavardhan-chitale-as-next-ceo-effective-january-2026]
[2] India’s Hero MotoCorp names Harshavardhan Chitale as new CEO [https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/indias-hero-motocorp-names-harshavardhan-chitale-new-ceo-2025-09-08/]
[3] Hero MotoCorp Plans Big Europe Entry In 2025 As Vida EV Sales Soar 200 Percent [https://www.news18.com/auto/hero-motocorp-plans-big-europe-entry-in-2025-as-vida-ev-sales-soar-200-percent-9439781.html]
[4] Hero MotoCorp Sets Ambitious Targets: 40% Export Growth and 10% Global Revenue Share [https://scanx.trade/stock-market-news/stocks/hero-motocorp-sets-ambitious-targets-40-export-growth-and-10-global-revenue-share/16169308]
[5] Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values (2025) of Hero ... [https://dcfmodeling.com/blogs/vision/heromotocons-mission-vision?srsltid=AfmBOooOk5dtafbZR2I3BT9GL4IyPGUXfRl5v-Yn84u26R40Q4HOH-YA]
[6] Hero MotoCorp AdEx surges by 18.6% in FY25 [https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/hero-motocorp-to-ramp-up-focus-on-quality-technology-customer-experience-in-fy26-74419.htm]
[7] Hero MotoCorp appoints Kausalya Nandakumar as Chief Business Officer for emerging mobility [https://promfgmedia.com/hero-motocorp-appoints-kausalya-nandakumar-as-chief-business-officer-for-emerging-mobility-and-ev-growth.php?article_id=3672]
[8] BloombergNEF India EV Market Analysis [https://www.bloomberg.com/neaft/india-ev-market-forecast]