Tata Motors CHRO Sitaram Kandi moves role, DP Nambiar to lead HR post demerger, Iveco deal

Tata Motors has announced the transfer of Chief Human Resources Officer Sitaram Kandi to another Tata Group company, effective May 28. The company did not disclose the name of the new company. DP Nambiar will assume the role of CHRO starting May 29, according to a regulatory filing released on Wednesday.

Key Highlights

• Sitaram Kandi transferred from Tata Motors CHRO role effective May 28
• DP Nambiar to assume Tata Motors CHRO responsibilities from May 29
• Kandi led HR during Tata Motors' demerger and Iveco acquisition process
• Nambiar brings nearly 30 years of HR leadership experience from TCS
• Nambiar will oversee HR integration for the upcoming Iveco Group acquisition

Leadership Transition at Tata Motors

Sitaram Kandi joined Tata Motors in July 2019 as vice president, overseeing HR for the Passenger and Electric Vehicle businesses. He also led employee relations and skill development for the company. Kandi was promoted to CHRO in April 2024. His elevation coincided with Tata Motors' major restructuring.

In March 2024, the Board approved the demerger of Tata Motors Limited into two listed entities. One entity will house the commercial vehicles business and related investments, while the other will include the passenger vehicles businesses, such as PV, EV, JLR, and related investments.

Kandi played a key role in the demerger process. He managed the separation of employees, accounting, IT, vendors, and other functions into two independent entities. This was a significant task, typical of large corporate separations.

Kandi's tenure also overlapped with Tata Motors' €3.8 billion deal to acquire Iveco Group's commercial vehicle businesses. Regulatory approvals for the acquisition are expected to be completed by the second quarter of fiscal year 2027, following a delay of several months.

Backgrounds of Kandi and Nambiar

Before joining Tata Motors, Kandi worked at several major companies. His previous role was at GE as Director of HR (Global Supply Chain) for about eight years. At GE, he managed HR for the South Asia supply chain, overseeing more than 20 manufacturing sites and sourcing organizations, with an output exceeding $5 billion and over 6,000 employees. Kandi also held positions at Mustafa Sultan Enterprises in Oman and the Bosch Group and began his career at Videocon Industries in December 1994 as an HR executive.

Kandi holds a degree from Osmania University in mathematics, economics, and statistics. He studied labor laws and human resources at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies and business analysis at IIM Calcutta.

DP Nambiar brings nearly three decades of HR leadership experience. He has served at TCS across various units and geographies, including the USA and Europe. Currently, he leads HR for TCS geographies and corporate functions. Nambiar has partnered with the CHRO and C-suite on strategic programs, including culture campaigns and organizational right-sizing. He oversees compliance with labor codes and their implementation.

Future HR Priorities

Under Nambiar's guidance, the HR team at TCS has led global recruitment and reskilling initiatives, integrated talent from acquisitions, and maintained positive workforce relations in Europe and other markets. The team has also supported restructuring and helped TCS achieve Global Top Employer certification in 34 countries. Nambiar is an official spokesperson for TCS and chairs the NASSCOM chapter for Mumbai.

Also Read: Tata Motors posts 54% export growth in FY26 despite Middle East disruptions

CarBike 360 Says

The leadership transition underscores Tata Motors’ focus on aligning its people strategy with evolving business priorities. As the company navigates the demerger and Iveco deal, DP Nambiar’s appointment signals continuity and stability in HR leadership. Going forward, talent management and organizational agility will remain central to sustaining growth across its restructured business entities.