Automotive News Europe — 2025-08-04
Automotive Industry
British automaker JLR, the holding company for the Jaguar and Land Rover brands, named PB Balaji as CEO to replace the retiring Adrian Mardell.
Balaji is currently CFO for Tata, the Indian parent company of JLR.
Balaji’s appointment strengthens the Indian group’s grip on JLR, which accounts for roughly two-thirds of its revenue.
JLR said Balaji has been associated with the automaker for many years and is familiar its strategy and leadership team.
“This move will ensure that we continue to accelerate our journey to Reimagine JLR,” the automaker said in a statement on Aug. 4.
The maker of Range Rover and Land Rover SUVs has been hit by tariffs in the U.S. and has faced criticism over a makeover for Jaguar as an electric-only brand.
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Balaji’s appointment takes effect in November. He has been Tata Motors finance chief since 2017 and has 32 years’ experience in the automotive and consumer goods industries across finance and supply chain functions.
Balaji “has been closely associated with the successful transformation at the Tata Motors Group,” JLR said.
Balaji will take charge of JLR as the automaker faces tough headwinds including tariffs on its exports to the U.S., its largest market, and a backlash over the rebranding of its iconic Jaguar marque that is moving upscale to challenge Bentley instead of BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
The company’s highest-volume vehicle, the Slovakia-built Land Rover Defender, is subject to a 15 percent U.S. import tariff. So is the slower-selling Discovery. The rest of JLR’s lineup — the Jaguar F-Pace and six Land Rovers — is made in the U.K. and subject to a 10 percent tariff, up from 2.5 percent. That rises to 25 percent after 100,000 vehicles are exported from the U.K. to the U.S. in a single year.
JLR recently posted its 10th consecutive profitable quarter and made $2.5 billion for its fiscal year. The company reports results for its latest quarter on Aug. 8.
Earlier this month, JLR said it was laying off 500 managers as it prepares for lower margins and a weaker dollar.
Following news of Mardell’s departure, President Donald Trump on Aug. 4 weighed into the debate, saying Jaguar is in “absolute turmoil” after what he labeled a “woke” advertisement. A video teaser released last year for the new branding featured expressionless models and bright colors, but no cars.