Chennai, Sept 8:
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has set a target to increase the representation of women in its executive workforce to 20 per cent by 2030, marking a significant step in its efforts to build a more diverse and future-ready workforce.
Women currently account for more than 8 per cent of HMIL’s executive workforce of over 4,000 employees. The company said the changing talent landscape was also reflected in its latest recruitment, with women constituting around 45 per cent of Management Trainees and Engineer Trainees recruited in 2026.
HMIL said women are increasingly taking up roles across manufacturing, engineering, research and development, sales, service, corporate functions and leadership positions. The company believes greater diversity can bring wider perspectives, strengthen collaboration and support innovation and long-term business growth.
Commenting on the target, Tarun Garg, MD and CEO, HMIL, said bringing together people with diverse experiences, perspectives and capabilities helps create stronger teams and a more resilient organisation. He said the 20 per cent target reflects the company’s focus on expanding opportunities, strengthening its talent pipeline and creating an environment where employees can realise their potential.
As part of its long-term workforce strategy, HMIL has introduced a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion framework covering recruitment, career advancement, leadership development and employee support. The company is focusing on gender-balanced recruitment, wider campus outreach and competency-based talent assessment, while also seeking to strengthen women’s representation in leadership roles.
The company said women recorded a 23 per cent promotion or elevation rate in FY26, with increased access to learning, development and leadership opportunities. HMIL is also implementing its ‘Women @ Work 2.0’ programme, which includes maternity and parental support, childcare assistance, workplace flexibility, performance continuity measures and employee engagement and reintegration initiatives.
Another key component is the ‘TrailblazHER’ leadership initiative, aimed at developing high-potential women professionals through capability building, mentorship, career acceleration and future leadership programmes. HMIL said the initiative is intended to create a stronger pipeline of women leaders across the organisation.
The company is also investing in workplace infrastructure and employee wellbeing. Its initiatives include crèche facilities at manufacturing plants, dedicated wellness and relaxation rooms, and enhanced safety, mobility and support measures. Preventive healthcare programmes, women’s health awareness initiatives, cancer screening, stress management and other healthcare support are also part of the broader employee wellness framework.
Garg said the company was encouraged by the growing participation of women professionals across industries and would continue creating opportunities for their growth across different areas of its business.
HMIL said its diversity initiatives are aligned with its broader environmental, social and governance agenda and contribute to the objectives of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality and SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth.
The company also highlighted the growing importance of workforce diversity as India’s automotive sector undergoes rapid transformation driven by advanced manufacturing, digitalisation and changing customer expectations. It said a workforce representing diverse backgrounds and experiences can contribute to stronger problem-solving, innovation and organisational resilience.
With the 2030 target, Hyundai Motor India aims to expand women’s participation beyond entry-level recruitment and strengthen their presence across the organisation, including technical, operational and leadership functions.