Leading carmaker Maruti Suzuki India has on Thursday announced the appointment of Hisashi Takeuchi as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from April 1, 2022, consequent to the completion of the term of Kenichi Ayukawa on 31st March 2022.
Takeuchi joined Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) in 1986. With vast experience in the international operations at SMC and overseas markets, he has been on the Board of Maruti Suzuki since July 2019 and as Joint Managing Director (Commercial) since April 2021.
Ayukawa has been the Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki India Limited since April 2013.
A press release from the company said that to facilitate a smooth transition, Ayukawa will continue as a Whole-time Director designated as Executive Vice Chairman till September 30, 2022, and will continue to guide 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 organisation 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.”