Hero MotoCorp has appointed Srihari Mulgund as its Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) with effect from 17 August 2026, strengthening the two-wheeler manufacturer's leadership team as it sharpens its focus on long-term growth, technology transformation and future mobility opportunities.
The appointment brings to the company an executive with more than two decades of experience spanning engineering, product development and strategic planning across multiple global automotive markets.
Veteran automotive strategist joins leadership team
According to information shared by the company, Mulgund has more than 24 years of experience in the automotive sector and has worked across the United States, Japan, China and India.
Before joining Hero MotoCorp, he served as a Partner at EY-Parthenon, where he led strategic assignments covering:
- Electric vehicles (EVs)
- Battery technologies
- Internal combustion engine (ICE) businesses
- Supply value chains
- New-age mobility ecosystems
His career also includes leadership and technical roles at:
- Aisin AW
- FEV Inc.
- Ricardo Strategic Consulting India, where he served as President
The company said his combination of industry expertise, technology understanding and market insight will support its strategic direction and long-term value creation agenda.
Focus on future mobility and innovation
Hero MotoCorp stated that Mulgund will play a key role in advancing the company's strategic initiatives, including its House of Strategy framework.
His experience spans several emerging mobility and technology domains. He has authored thought leadership papers on:
- Battery swapping
- Software-defined vehicles
- Alternative battery chemistries
- Hydrogen internal combustion engine technologies
The appointment comes as automotive manufacturers globally continue to navigate shifts towards electrification, software-led vehicle platforms and evolving mobility business models.
Global experience across major automotive markets
Mulgund's international experience is expected to bring a broader perspective to Hero MotoCorp's strategic planning efforts.
Having worked extensively across Asia and North America, he has developed expertise in understanding regional automotive trends, technology adoption patterns and market requirements.
His background combines technical engineering knowledge with business strategy, an increasingly important capability as vehicle manufacturers balance traditional product portfolios with investments in emerging technologies.
Academic credentials
Mulgund holds:
- A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the National Institute of Engineering, Mysore
- A Master of Science degree from the University of Toledo
-
An MBA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
The blend of engineering and management education has underpinned his work across product development, consulting and corporate strategy roles throughout his career.
Strategic role at a changing time for the industry
The appointment comes at a time when automotive companies are reassessing long-term investment priorities amid rapid technological change.
With experience spanning conventional automotive technologies as well as EVs, batteries and emerging mobility solutions, Mulgund is set to lead strategic planning efforts as Hero MotoCorp evaluates future growth opportunities and industry transitions.
His appointment takes effect immediately from 17 August 2026.