Tata Motors is implementing a significant leadership transition, having announced the appointment of Shailesh Chandra as its new Managing Director and CEO, and Dhiman Gupta as Chief Financial Officer. These key leadership changes were made public on Friday, marking a strategic shift for the Indian automotive giant.

Shailesh Chandra is set to assume the roles of MD and CEO of Tata Motors from October 1, 2024, with his tenure slated for three years, extending until 2028. Prior to this elevation, Chandra has been serving as the joint managing director for Tata Motors' passenger vehicles and passenger electric mobility businesses, a role in which he will continue to oversee the electric mobility segment.

Concurrently, Dhiman Gupta steps into the Chief Financial Officer position, succeeding PB Balaji. Balaji, whose appointment was announced in August, is transitioning to become the CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, a subsidiary of Tata Motors.

These leadership adjustments unfold against a backdrop of considerable challenges for Jaguar Land Rover. The luxury carmaker has been grappling with significant disruptions, primarily stemming from a major cyberattack. This incident led to extended factory closures until October 1, severely impacting operations and leaving numerous smaller suppliers in a precarious position. The UK government is currently considering providing financial support to these affected suppliers, highlighting the severity of the operational paralysis.

Shailesh Chandra brings a wealth of experience to his new role as MD and CEO. His journey with Tata Motors began in 1995 as a manager in production. Over the years, he steadily climbed the corporate ladder, moving to Senior Manager in the vendor development wing and later becoming Divisional Manager for Telco/Tata Motors in 2003. In 2012, he was named Deputy General Manager at the company's Vice Chairman Office.

Chandra briefly departed Tata Motors in 2013 to join Tata Sons Limited, where he served as Assistant Vice President at the Group Chairman's Office until 2015. He rejoined Tata Motors in 2016, taking on the crucial role of head of corporate strategy and business administration. Subsequently, he held various senior positions, including President of the Passenger Vehicles Unit and the Electric Mobility Business. His leadership in these critical segments led to his appointment as CEO and Managing Director of these units in 2022, roles he continues to hold alongside his new responsibilities.