Overview

• Hero MotoCorp’s board approved Chitale’s appointment with a defined start date of January 5, 2026.
• Kasbekar steps down from acting CEO yet stays on the board as executive director and chief technology officer to oversee the handover.
• Executive chairman Pawan Munjal said the hire is intended to accelerate the company’s push into electric vehicles, new mobility, premiumization, digitalization, and sustainability.
• Chitale previously led Signify’s €4 billion Professional Business, overseeing 12,000 employees across 70 countries, and earlier steered Philips Lighting India through its spin-off.
• Shares rose in early trade on the NSE following the announcement, with reports noting gains of more than 1.5%.