The Board of Directors of JLR, at its meeting held on August 4, has approved the appointment of P B Balaji to succeed Adrian Mardell as the CEO of JLR.

Balaji will succeed Adrian Mardell, who is set to retire after three years as CEO of JLR, which makes Defender. This will mark an end to his 35-year-long career at JLR, which was acquired by Tata Motors in 2008.

The decision was confirmed in a stock exchange filing on August 4, 2025. Balaji's appointment marks a major shift, as he moves from a financial leadership role to the driver's seat of one of the world's most recognised car brands.