Hero MotoCorp appoints Harshavardhan Chitale as CEO to drive electric mobility push

With over 30 years of global leadership experience, Chitale previously served as Global CEO of Signify’s Professional Business, overseeing 12,000 employees across 70 countries in sectors like industrial automation, digital transformation, lighting, and IT services

Hero MotoCorp has announced the appointment of Harshavardhan Chitale as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 5, 2026, as the company aims to strengthen its position in electric mobility and future-ready transportation.

Chitale will take over from Vikram Kasbekar, who stepped in as interim CEO following the resignation of Niranjan Gupta earlier this year. Kasbekar will continue in his role as Chief Technology Officer, the company confirmed in an official statement on Monday.

Leadership with a vision for the future

With over 30 years of global leadership experience, Chitale brings deep expertise across sectors including industrial automation, digital transformation, lighting, and IT services. He most recently served as the Global CEO of Signify’s Professional Business, leading a workforce of 12,000 across 70 countries and overseeing global operations from manufacturing to digital product development.

Prior to that, Chitale successfully led Philips Lighting India through its transformation into an independent entity and has held key roles at HCL Infosystems and Honeywell Automation India.

Hero MotoCorp Chairman Pawan Munjal stated that Chitale’s appointment will provide strong leadership as the company accelerates its shift towards electric mobility and innovation-driven growth.

Chitale is an IIT Delhi alumnus and an active angel investor in clean tech, EVs, and health-tech ventures.