Hero MotoCorp Names Harshavardhan Chitale as New CEO: A Fresh Era of Leadership

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Harshavardhan Chitale as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The decision marks a crucial turning point for the company as it looks to strengthen its position in the global mobility market and accelerate its push into electric vehicles, digital innovation, and premium two-wheelers.

Chitale will officially take charge as CEO from January 5, 2026, subject to regulatory and board approvals. Until then, the current Acting CEO Vikram Kasbekar will continue leading the company and later return to his primary role as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Executive Director.

Why This Announcement Matters

Hero MotoCorp is not just another company—it’s a household name in India and a global brand trusted by millions of riders. The leadership change comes at a time when the automotive industry is undergoing rapid transformation, especially with the rise of:

• Electric mobility – Two-wheeler EV adoption is growing fast.

• Digital-first consumer experience – Buyers are shifting toward online research, bookings, and after-sales support.

• Global competition – Companies like Bajaj, TVS, Ola Electric, and international EV players are raising the stakes.

• Premium motorcycle market – Growing demand for mid- to high-capacity bikes in India and abroad.
  

A new CEO with global expertise and a strong track record could help Hero MotoCorp adapt to these changes and set a fresh direction.

Who Is Harshavardhan Chitale?

Harshavardhan Chitale is not new to leadership. With decades of global experience, he has successfully managed large organizations and transformed businesses with a focus on innovation, profitability, and sustainability.

Key Highlights of His Career:

• Global CEO, Professional Business – Signify (formerly Philips Lighting):
  Managed a €4 billion business spread across 70 countries with 12,000 employees. Oversaw digital transformation, smart lighting solutions, and product innovation.

• Vice Chairman & MD – Philips Lighting India:
  Played a critical role in making Philips Lighting a standalone listed entity in India.

• Leadership Roles in HCL Infosystems & Honeywell Automation India:
  Built strategies for growth and transformed operations in competitive industries.
  

Academic Achievements:

• Graduate of IIT Delhi, where he received the Director’s Gold Medal for academic excellence.

• Angel investor with interests in EV startups, clean energy ventures, health-tech, and agri-tech companies.
  

Clearly, Hero MotoCorp has chosen a leader who understands both the challenges of large corporations and the growth opportunities in the mobility and technology sectors.

Pawan Munjal’s Confidence in New Leadership

Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, expressed strong confidence in Chitale’s appointment. He emphasized that the company is entering a new phase of growth where leadership must balance:

• Electric vehicle adoption

• Sustainability goals

• Premiumization of products

• Global competitiveness
  

Munjal described Chitale as the right leader to help Hero MotoCorp achieve its long-term vision.

Transition from Vikram Kasbekar to Chitale

Since the resignation of former CEO Niranjan Gupta in April 2025, Hero MotoCorp has been under the interim leadership of Vikram Kasbekar.

Kasbekar ensured stability during this period while continuing to push innovation and R&D. After January 2026, he will return to his specialized role as CTO and Executive Director, focusing on technology, product development, and manufacturing excellence.

This smooth transition shows Hero MotoCorp’s well-planned succession strategy, which is vital for maintaining investor and consumer confidence.

What This Means for Hero MotoCorp’s Future

With Chitale at the helm, several strategic directions are likely to take center stage:

1. Acceleration in Electric Vehicles (EVs):

Hero has already made moves in the EV market with its Vida brand. Under Chitale, we can expect more EV launches, better charging infrastructure, and stronger partnerships.

2. Premiumization of Motorcycles:

Hero’s traditional strength lies in commuter bikes. However, the company is pushing into premium motorcycles and scooters. Chitale’s global experience could help Hero strengthen this segment and compete with rivals.

3. Digital & Smart Mobility:

Expect more focus on connected vehicles, AI-driven customer experiences, and digital-first services like online vehicle bookings, predictive maintenance, and app-based ownership experiences.

4. Sustainability & Global Expansion:

With his clean energy and global expertise, Chitale may lead Hero MotoCorp into greener operations, carbon neutrality goals, and international market expansion.

Industry & Market Reactions

The announcement has been welcomed by industry experts and investors alike. Many see this as a bold step toward modernizing Hero MotoCorp and preparing it for the future.

• Stock market response: Initial reactions to the news have been stable to positive, reflecting investor optimism.

• Industry analysts: Experts believe Chitale’s appointment could help Hero MotoCorp regain its competitive edge in the EV space.

• Consumers: Riders are excited to see how Hero’s product lineup—especially in EVs and premium motorcycles—evolves under the new leadership.

Key Takeaways

Final Thoughts

Hero MotoCorp’s decision to appoint Harshavardhan Chitale as its new CEO signals a fresh chapter in the company’s journey. With his deep experience in global businesses, digital innovation, and sustainability, Chitale is well-positioned to steer Hero MotoCorp into the future of mobility.

For consumers, this could mean better products, smarter services, and a stronger push into electric vehicles. For investors and industry watchers, it’s a sign that Hero is preparing to transform itself from a traditional two-wheeler giant into a next-generation mobility leader.