Exclusive: Hemant Barge Exits Tata Motors After Three Decades; Sudhir Chikhle Steps In to Lead PV & EV Procurement

Tata Motors has announced a significant leadership change in its supply chain organisation even as it executes the strategic demerger of its Passenger Vehicles (including EVs) and Commercial Vehicles (CVs).

Hemant Barge, who spent nearly 30 years with the company, has stepped down as Head of Purchase & Parts Development, Supply Chain Management, and Supplier Quality for Passenger Vehicles (PV). His exit marks the departure of a seasoned leader whose career spans manufacturing, operations, and procurement.

Barge began his journey in 1994 in manufacturing, eventually rising to Head of Operations at JLR India (2010–2015), establishing the brand’s local footprint and launching six products with benchmark performance. Promoted as Head of Manufacturing for Tata Motors PVs in 2015, he oversaw seven plants and over 3,600 employees, leading a major quality transformation that delivered a 24% reduction in conversion costs.

In 2017, he became Product Line Operations Head, managing ₹9,000 crore worth of programmes across three plants and serving as launch manager for Tata’s first EV, the Tigor EV. Since 2018, he has driven procurement strategies, supplier quality, and cost competitiveness as PV Head of Purchase.

A Tata Motors spokesperson confirmed the development.

Succeeding him is Sudhir Chikhle, who will lead procurement across PV and EV businesses. Chikhle, who joined Tata Passenger Electric Mobility in December 2023 as Chief Purchase Officer, brings over 25 years of experience. A Fiat/FCA veteran (2005–2021), he played a pivotal role in localising the MultiJet diesel engine and Jeep Compass in India before moving to Ashok Leyland in 2021 as VP of sourcing and supply chain, where he also supported Switch Mobility’s EV initiatives. He has already been recognised at Tata Motors for his supplier engagement and localisation expertise.

The timing of the transition is critical. As Tata Motors advances its demerger, harmonising PV and EV procurement under one leadership is expected to build synergies, strengthen supply chain resilience, and accelerate electrification efforts. Yet, industry observers note that filling the void left by Barge’s vast experience and long-standing supplier relationships will be demanding.

Today, procurement is no longer a support function but a strategic lever shaping product cost, speed, and technology adoption. Chikhle’s ability to navigate this expanded role will ensure Tata Motors sustains momentum in PVs and EVs during this pivotal transformation phase.