Hero MotoCorp names Harshavardhan Chitale as new CEO, effective Jan 5, 2026

Hero MotoCorp Ltd on Monday said its board has appointed Harshavardhan Chitale as the Chief Executive Officer of the company with effect from January 5, 2026.

Chitale, a business leader with over three decades of experience across industrial automation, lighting, information technology services, and digital transformation, will succeed Vikram Kasbekar, who has been serving as Acting CEO.

“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,” Hero MotoCorp Executive Chairman Pawan Munjal said in a statement.

His vision and dynamism will accelerate the company's journey across electric and emerging mobility, premiumisation, digitalisation, sustainability, and organisational renewal -- shaping the future of mobility and beyond, he added.

The company said upon Chitale’s appointment, Kasbekar will step down as Acting CEO but continue to serve on the Board as Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer.

Before joining Hero MotoCorp, Chitale served as Global CEO of Signify’s €4 billion professional business, leading a workforce of 12,000 across 70 countries. He also held leadership roles at Philips Lighting India, HCL Infosystems, and Honeywell Automation India.

Chitale's distinguished track record spans not only profitable growth and transformation at scale but also the successful end-to-end integration of acquisitions, unlocking long-term value and synergies.

An IIT-Delhi alumnus and recipient of the Director’s Gold Medal, Chitale has worked in India, the US and Europe.

The world’s largest two-wheeler maker said the leadership change comes at a time when the company is accelerating its strategy in electric and emerging mobility, premiumisation, digitalisation, and sustainability.