Hero MotoCorp Appoints Harshavardhan Chitale as CEO
New leadership to steer Hero MotoCorp’s growth and transformation in electric mobility and digitalization
Hero MotoCorp has announced the appointment of Harshavardhan Chitale as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 5, 2026. Chitale will succeed Vikram Kasbekar, who has been serving as acting CEO since May 2025, following the resignation of Niranjan Gupta. Kasbekar will continue with the company as Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer.
Chitale brings over 30 years of global leadership experience to Hero MotoCorp. He most recently served as Global CEO of Signify’s Professional Business, overseeing 12,000 employees across 70 countries. During his tenure, the business doubled its profitability and launched over 100 new products annually, including IoT-enabled lighting solutions. Before that, Chitale was Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Philips Lighting India, where he successfully led the company’s spin-off into a standalone public entity and strengthened its market leadership. He has also held key leadership roles at HCL Infosystems and Honeywell Automation India.
Commenting on the appointment, Hero MotoCorp Executive Chairman Pawan Munjal said, “Harsh’s outstanding track record in driving growth, fostering innovation, and leading global transformation makes him the ideal leader for Hero MotoCorp at this pivotal moment. His vision and dynamism will accelerate our journey across electric and emerging mobility, premiumization, digitalisation, sustainability, and organisational renewal — shaping the future of mobility and beyond.”
Munjal further noted in a press release that Mr. Chitale’s appointment will accelerate the ‘Splendor’ motorcycle maker’s push into electric and emerging mobility.
The leadership change comes as Hero MotoCorp undergoes strategic transformations, including the planned spin-off of its Electric Vehicle and Emerging Mobility Business Unit into an independent entity starting February 2025. The company is also intensifying its focus on expanding its electric vehicle footprint and enhancing its digital capabilities.
Chitale’s vast expertise in driving global business transformation and fostering innovation is poised to play a crucial role in shaping Hero MotoCorp’s path toward sustained growth and industry leadership.