India’s largest two-wheeler maker is changing gears at the top. Hero MotoCorp has named Harshavardhan Chitale, currently a senior executive at Schneider Electric, as its next CEO, effective January 2026. The leadership shift comes at a critical juncture: the company is navigating slowing demand for entry-level bikes, surging competition in electric two-wheelers, and a global mobility landscape in flux.

The Appointment

• Who: Harshavardhan Chitale, an industry veteran with stints at HCL Infosystems, Honeywell, and Schneider Electric.
• When: He will take over as CEO in January 2026, succeeding Niranjan Gupta.
• Why it matters: Hero is betting that Chitale’s tech-and-systems background will help accelerate its EV roadmap and digital transformation.

The Context

Hero remains India’s dominant two-wheeler brand but faces:

• EV pressure: Ola Electric, Ather, and TVS are capturing mindshare in the booming e-scooter market.
• Demand squeeze: Entry-level commuter bikes, Hero’s bread-and-butter, are seeing weaker rural demand.
• Global expansion: The firm is pushing exports to Africa and Latin America while exploring new partnerships.

The Bigger Picture

The leadership change signals Hero’s intent to evolve from a mass commuter brand to a tech-forward mobility player. Analysts say Chitale’s appointment could be the catalyst for Hero to close the gap in the electric race, where it has lagged competitors. The real test: whether Hero can balance its legacy ICE dominance with the speed and agility EVs demand.

---

As India’s two-wheeler market shifts from petrol pumps to plug points, Hero MotoCorp’s new CEO will need to prove whether the world’s largest bike maker can also become the country’s EV champion.

Leadership changes set the tone for transformation. The question for Hero is simple: can fresh fuel at the top power its electric ambitions fast enough?

AD from Makhana Mornings!

P.S. If this perspective sharpened your view on India’s auto transition, share it with one founder who should see it.