Hero MotoCorp, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Harshavardhan Chitale as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 5, 2026. Chitale succeeds Vikram Kasbekar, who has been serving as acting CEO following the resignation of Niranjan Gupta earlier this year. Kasbekar will continue on the board as Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer.
Harshavardhan Chitale brings over three decades of leadership experience across multiple global companies. He has held senior positions at Signify, Philips Lighting India, HCL Infosystems, and Honeywell Automation India. At Signify, he led operations across more than 70 countries, focusing on profitability, innovation, and product development. His diverse experience spans industrial automation, IT services, digital transformation, and consumer-facing businesses, making him well-positioned to guide Hero MotoCorp through the evolving mobility landscape.
The appointment of Chitale comes at a critical juncture for Hero MotoCorp as the company intensifies its focus on electric vehicles and emerging mobility solutions. With the global automotive sector rapidly shifting toward sustainable and technologically advanced solutions, his expertise is expected to accelerate the company’s innovation agenda. The leadership transition is also seen as a step to strengthen Hero MotoCorp’s global competitiveness and long-term strategic growth.
Chairman Pawan Munjal expressed confidence that Chitale’s leadership will drive both growth and innovation, especially in the electric vehicle segment. The company’s workforce, partners, and investors are optimistic that this change will bring fresh perspectives and reinforce Hero MotoCorp’s position as a market leader.
Industry analysts expect that under Chitale’s guidance, Hero MotoCorp will continue to expand its product portfolio, adopt advanced mobility technologies, and focus on sustainable practices, thereby securing its leadership in India and enhancing its global footprint. His appointment marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward being a pioneering player in two-wheeler manufacturing and mobility solutions.
