Hero MotoCorp has appointed Harshavardhan Chitale as its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective January 5, 2026, following approval from the two-wheeler giant’s board of directors, the company announced Monday.
Chitale, who has over three decades of leadership experience across sectors including industrial automation, lighting, IT services and digital transformation, most recently served as Global CEO of Signify’s €4 billion Professional Business.
He has also held top roles at multinational companies such as Philips Lighting India, HCL Infosystems and Honeywell Automation India.
Chitale has also been an active angel investor in sectors such as EVs, clean energy, health-tech and agri-tech.
Commenting on the appointment, Hero MotoCorp executive chairman Dr Pawan Munjal said: “Harsh’s 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 will accelerate our journey across electric and emerging mobility, premiumization, digitalization and sustainability.”
Chitale, an alumnus of IIT Delhi and winner of the Director’s Gold Medal, has also been an active angel investor in sectors such as EVs, clean energy, health-tech and agri-tech.
Upon his appointment, the office of the acting CEO, currently held by Vikram Kasbekar, will stand relinquished. Kasbekar, who stepped in after Niranjan Gupta’s exit, will continue to serve on the Hero MotoCorp board as Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer.
The company’s stock price was up 3% after the announcement, signalling investor confidence in the board’s decision and the leadership transition.
