The Board of Directors of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, in its meeting held on Thursday, appointed Hisashi Takeuchi as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st April 2022, consequent to the completion of the term of Kenichi Ayukawa on 31st March 2022.
Ayukawa has been the Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki India Limited since April 2013.
In order to facilitate a smooth transition, Kenichi Ayukawa will continue as a Whole-time Director designated as Executive Vice Chairman till 30th September 2022 and will continue to provide guidance to the company. These appointments are subject to shareholder approval.
Speaking on the transition, Ayukawa said, “India is one of the most interesting and promising automobile markets in the world and it has been both a challenging and a fulfilling stint for me. Takeuchi has an excellent understanding of the Indian as well as international markets and is placed well to lead Maruti Suzuki into the future. I wish him a successful journey ahead.”
Takeuchi said, “I thank the Board of Directors for placing this trust in me. Maruti Suzuki is a great organization with a rich legacy and it will be my endeavor that we keep serving more and more customers both in India and the world with exciting cars that are good for them, environment and society. We will also try to build our business in a manner that strengthens Atma-Nirbhar Bharat and the economic growth of India.”
Takeuchi joined Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) in 1986. With vast experience in the international operations at SMC as well as in overseas markets, he has been on the Board of Maruti Suzuki since July 2019 and as Joint Managing Director (Commercial) since April 2021.
Takeuchi's appointment comes at a time when Maruti Suzuki's market share in the Indian passenger vehicle market has taken a hit amidst a semiconductor shortage and strong demand for sports utility vehicles, a segment where the company does not have enough appealing products. The next few years will be very crucial for Maruti Suzuki as the carmaker, with the help of SMC, is gearing to launch its first electric vehicle.