Samvardhana Motherson International Limited (SAMIL), one of the world’s leading automotive component manufacturers, has announced key leadership changes as part of its strategic roadmap toward achieving Vision 2030. The company has appointed Gandharv Tongia as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Designate, who will formally assume the role of Group CFO on November 15, 2025, following a handover period from Kunal Malani.
Simultaneously, Kunal will be elevated to President – Group Strategy & Transformation, effective November 15, 2025, where he will lead initiatives driving the company’s long-term strategic objectives under Vision 2030.
Experienced Leadership Driving Financial and Strategic Transformation
He is, a member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), brings over two decades of diverse experience across corporate finance, strategy, digital transformation, taxation, and investor relations. His professional journey includes leadership roles in Big 4 firms and at Polycab India Limited, where he contributed to the company’s rapid growth and financial excellence.
Recognized for his leadership and innovation in finance, Mr. Tongia has received multiple awards including accolades from ASSOCHAM, BW Businessworld, CII, and Dalal Street, and was honored with the ICAI’s CA Business Leader Award in 2024. A strong advocate of inclusion and social responsibility, he has chaired the CFO Forum for the Western Region at CII and the CFO Council at ASSOCHAM.
Mr. Tongia’s collaborative leadership and deep industry expertise are expected to further strengthen Motherson’s financial and strategic capabilities as the group continues to expand globally.
During his tenure as Group CFO, Malani played a pivotal role in shaping Motherson 2.0 under Vision 2025, steering the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, driving 2.5x business growth over five years, and integrating over 20 global acquisitions. His disciplined financial stewardship led SAMIL to achieve an international investment-grade rating, with “AAA” in India and “A” in Japan — reinforcing the group’s strong financial foundation.
The company also announced the appointment of Hemant Barge as Chief Procurement Officer. With over three decades at Tata Motors Group, Mr. Barge has held leadership roles across sourcing, manufacturing, and post-acquisition business transitions. His engineering background and deep operational experience will support Motherson’s supply chain optimization and strategic procurement initiatives.
Commenting on the leadership transitions, Laksh Vaaman Sehgal, Vice Chairman, Motherson Group, said:
“I would like to thank Kunal for his leadership and invaluable contribution to SAMIL. Kunal has helped create a strong platform and hereafter will lead our transformation efforts for achieving Vision 2030. The change is a testament to the Group’s strategic efforts in achieving Vision 2030. I am pleased to welcome Gandharv to SAMIL, and I am confident that he will play a pivotal role in further strengthening the Company. I am also delighted to welcome Mr. Hemant Barge into the Motherson family, we look forward to gaining from the expertise he brings to our organisation.”
Strengthening Motherson’s Vision 2030 Journey
These appointments mark another step in Motherson’s ongoing transformation as it accelerates its global growth trajectory and enhances operational resilience. The leadership changes align with the company’s long-term commitment to innovation, sustainability, and financial excellence, reinforcing its position as a trusted global partner in the automotive and industrial solutions space.
