Hero MotoCorp , the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has announced a significant leadership change that promises to shape its future trajectory. The company's Board of Directors has appointed Harshavardhan Chitale as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 5, 2026.

A Seasoned Leader at the Helm

Chitale brings over three decades of global leadership experience to Hero MotoCorp, with a diverse background spanning both B2B and B2C sectors. His expertise encompasses industrial automation, lighting, IT services, and digital transformation—skills that are likely to be crucial as Hero MotoCorp navigates the evolving landscape of mobility.

Impressive Track Record

Prior to joining Hero MotoCorp, Chitale served as the Global CEO of Signify's €4 billion Professional Business, where he led a workforce of 12,000 employees across 70 countries. Under his leadership, the business doubled its profitability and launched over 100 products annually, including IoT-enabled lighting ecosystems.

Chitale's career also includes notable stints as:

• Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Philips Lighting India
• CEO and Board Member at HCL Infosystems
• Leadership role at Honeywell Automation India

Academic Excellence and Entrepreneurial Spirit

An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Chitale was awarded the Director's Gold Medal for being the best student in his graduating class. Beyond his corporate roles, he is an active angel investor in emerging sectors such as EVs, clean energy, health-tech, and agri-tech.

Strategic Vision for Hero MotoCorp

Dr. Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, expressed confidence in Chitale's appointment, stating, "Harsh's outstanding track record in driving growth, fostering innovation, and leading global transformation makes him the ideal leader for Hero MotoCorp at this pivotal moment."

Munjal further elaborated on the company's future direction: "His vision and dynamism will accelerate our journey across electric and emerging mobility, premiumization, digitalization, sustainability, and organizational renewal — shaping the future of mobility and beyond."

Leadership Transition

As part of this leadership change, Vikram Kasbekar, who has been serving as the Acting CEO, will step down from this interim role. The Board of Directors has expressed gratitude for Kasbekar's contributions during the transition period. Kasbekar will continue to serve on the Board of Hero MotoCorp as Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer.

Looking Ahead

With Chitale's appointment, Hero MotoCorp signals its intent to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving mobility sector. His global experience and expertise in digital transformation could prove instrumental as the company navigates challenges and opportunities in electric vehicles, emerging markets, and technological advancements in the automotive industry.

As Hero MotoCorp prepares for this new chapter under Chitale's leadership, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the company adapts to the changing landscape of global mobility and maintains its market-leading position.

Hero Motocorp , India's leading two-wheeler manufacturer, has announced the launch of XCLAN, a community-riding platform and official owners club designed exclusively for Xpulse motorcycle enthusiasts. This initiative aims to foster a sense of community among Xpulse owners and promote the spirit of adventure riding.

Initial Launch and Expansion Plans

XCLAN is set to kick off its operations in five major cities across India:

• Dehradun
• Guwahati
• Bengaluru
• Cochin
• Mumbai

Hero MotoCorp has outlined plans to expand the platform's reach to additional cities by the latter half of 2022, with a particular focus on tier II and III cities. This expansion strategy is aimed at cultivating a broader community of riders and enthusiasts throughout the country.

Membership Benefits

XCLAN offers a range of benefits to its members for an annual fee of Rs. 2,000.00. The membership package includes:

• An onboarding kit
• Invitations to exclusive rides and rally events
• Complimentary Hero Goodlife Platinum Membership
• Access to a network of like-minded riders

Riding Categories

The platform will offer three distinct categories of rides to cater to various preferences and skill levels:

1. Sunrise Rides
2. Overnight Rides
3. Expedition Rides

These engagements are scheduled to commence from July 2022, providing members with diverse riding experiences.

Community Building Initiative

By launching XCLAN, Hero MotoCorp aims to create a vibrant ecosystem for Xpulse owners. The platform is designed to bring together motorcycle enthusiasts, fostering connections and shared experiences among riders who share a passion for adventure and exploration.

As the initiative unfolds, it is expected to strengthen brand loyalty and enhance the overall ownership experience for Xpulse motorcycle owners. The expansion into tier II and III cities also signals Hero MotoCorp's commitment to reaching a wider audience and promoting the culture of community riding across different regions of India.