Maruti Suzuki Appoints Sunil Kakkar as Whole-time Director

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), India’s leading automobile manufacturer, announced today the appointment of Sunil Kakkar as an Additional Director and Whole-time Director, designated as Director (Corporate Planning), effective April 1, 2025. The decision, approved by the company’s Board of Directors during a meeting held on March 26, 2025, marks a significant step in MSIL’s ongoing efforts to bolster its leadership team and prepare for future growth. Kakkar’s tenure will run for three years, concluding on March 31, 2028.

In a filing with the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and BSE Limited, MSIL outlined the details of the appointment, adhering to the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The company also revealed a redesignation within its ranks, with Kenichiro Toyofuku transitioning from Director (Corporate Planning) to Director (Sustainability), effective the same date.

Sunil Kakkar brings over 35 years of experience with Maruti Suzuki to his new role, having served as Senior Executive Officer and head of the Corporate Planning vertical. A key member of the company’s Executive Committee, Kakkar has been instrumental in shaping MSIL’s strategic roadmap, driving ambitious goals, and spearheading restructuring initiatives to enhance organizational agility. His appointment underscores MSIL’s focus on strengthening its corporate planning as it navigates an evolving automotive landscape.

An engineering graduate from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Kakkar also holds an MBA from the Asian Institute of Technology, where he earned a gold medal for academic excellence. His career at MSIL has been marked by leadership roles across critical functions, including heading the Supply Chain vertical and serving as Plant Head of the Gurgaon production facility. Kakkar played a pivotal role in establishing supply chains for strategic projects, achieving deep localization, and forging joint ventures with global firms from Japan, Italy, and France. These collaborations have brought advanced technologies—such as Controllers, AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), plastic fuel tanks, and high-tensile sheet metal—to MSIL’s operations.

Beyond MSIL, Kakkar holds directorships at several associate companies, including Mark Exhaust Systems Ltd., SKH Metals Ltd., and Hanon Climate Systems India Pvt. Ltd. His influence extends to industry bodies, where he chairs the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers’ (SIAM) Aatmanirbhar Bharat Sourcing Group, advocating for localization in the Indian auto sector. He also serves as Honorary Chairman of the INVEST Northern Zonal Council, Chairman of ASSOCHAM’s National Council on Auto & Auto Ancillaries, and a member of the CII Japan Council.

The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Maruti Suzuki, which continues to dominate India’s passenger vehicle market with a share hovering around 40%. However, the company faces mounting pressure to adapt to shifting consumer preferences, stricter emission norms, and the rise of electric mobility. Kakkar’s expertise in corporate planning and supply chain management positions him to steer MSIL through these challenges, potentially accelerating its electrification strategy and deepening its localization efforts.

Meanwhile, Kenichiro Toyofuku’s shift to Director (Sustainability) signals MSIL’s intent to prioritize environmental goals, aligning with global trends and India’s push for greener transportation. Together, these moves suggest a dual focus on operational excellence and sustainable growth.

The board meeting, which commenced at 12:00 noon and concluded at 1:15 p.m., reflects MSIL’s efficient decision-making process. Sanjeev Grover, Executive Officer and Company Secretary, signed off on the announcement, urging stock exchanges to take the updates on record.

As Sunil Kakkar steps into his new role, all eyes will be on how he leverages his extensive experience to shape Maruti Suzuki’s future, ensuring it remains a powerhouse in India’s automotive sector.