In a pivotal leadership transition, Hero MotoCorp, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Harshavardhan Chitale as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 5, 2026. The decision, approved by the company’s Board of Directors, marks a significant moment in Hero’s journey as it navigates a rapidly evolving mobility landscape shaped by electric vehicles, digital transformation, and global competition.
Chitale succeeds Vikram Kasbekar, who has served as Acting CEO since May 2025 following the resignation of Niranjan Gupta. Kasbekar will continue to serve on the board as Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer, ensuring continuity and support during the transition.
🧠 Who Is Harshavardhan Chitale?
Harshavardhan Chitale brings with him over three decades of global leadership experience across both B2B and B2C sectors. His career spans industries such as industrial automation, lighting, information technology services, and digital transformation—a portfolio that aligns perfectly with Hero MotoCorp’s ambitions in emerging mobility and innovation.
Most recently, Chitale served as the Global CEO of Signify’s €4 billion Professional Business, where he led a workforce of 12,000 employees across 70 countries. Under his leadership, the business doubled profitability, launched over 100 products annually, and pioneered IoT-enabled lighting ecosystems. Prior to that, he was the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Philips Lighting India, where he successfully executed the company’s spin-off into a standalone listed entity and consolidated its market leadership.
Chitale is also an alumnus of IIT Delhi, where he was awarded the Director’s Gold Medal as the best student of his graduating class. Beyond corporate leadership, he has actively invested in sectors such as electric vehicles, clean energy, health-tech, and agri-tech, reflecting a forward-thinking mindset that resonates with Hero’s strategic goals.
🚀 Why This Appointment Matters
Hero MotoCorp has long been a dominant force in India’s two-wheeler market, with iconic models like the Splendor, Passion, and Glamour defining the commuter segment. However, recent years have seen a shift in market dynamics. In August 2025, Hero lost its top spot in two-wheeler sales to Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, with retail sales falling 5% year-on-year to 3.41 lakh units, while Honda posted 3.54 lakh units, a marginal increase.
This leadership change comes at a time when Hero is actively expanding its footprint in electric mobility, premium motorcycles, and digital ecosystems. Chitale’s proven track record in organizational renewal, global transformation, and innovation at scale positions him as the ideal candidate to steer Hero through this next phase.
🔄 Leadership Transition: Smooth and Strategic
As part of the transition, Vikram Kasbekar will work closely with Chitale to ensure a seamless handover. Kasbekar, who stepped in as Acting CEO after Gupta’s departure, has been instrumental in maintaining operational stability and advancing Hero’s technology roadmap. His continued role as CTO ensures that Hero’s innovation engine remains strong and aligned with Chitale’s strategic vision.
This transition also reflects Hero’s commitment to governance and continuity, ensuring that leadership changes do not disrupt its long-term goals or stakeholder confidence.
🌍 What’s Next for Hero MotoCorp?
With Chitale at the helm, Hero MotoCorp is expected to double down on several key areas:
- Electric Mobility: Expanding its EV portfolio beyond the Vida brand and investing in charging infrastructure and battery tech
- Premiumization: Strengthening its presence in the 250cc+ segment through partnerships and new launches
- Global Expansion: Leveraging Chitale’s international experience to grow in emerging markets across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia
- Digital Transformation: Enhancing customer experience through connected services, smart diagnostics, and e-commerce platforms
- Sustainability: Integrating ESG goals into product development, manufacturing, and supply chain operations
Chitale’s background in leading large-scale innovation and managing global operations makes him uniquely suited to drive these initiatives forward.
🏁 Final Thoughts: A New Chapter Begins
The appointment of Harshavardhan Chitale as CEO marks a new chapter for Hero MotoCorp—one that blends legacy with innovation. As the company navigates the challenges of electrification, competition, and changing consumer expectations, Chitale’s leadership offers a fresh perspective rooted in global experience and transformative thinking.
For Hero’s customers, employees, and investors, this transition signals a renewed commitment to excellence, agility, and future-readiness. And for the Indian auto industry, it’s a reminder that leadership matters—especially when the road ahead is as dynamic as the one Hero is about to travel.