In a landmark decision, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has appointed Sunil Kakkar as its Whole-time Director, designated as Director (Corporate Planning). This appointment marks a significant milestone as Kakkar becomes the first Indian employee to hold a whole-time director position on the company’s board. His tenure will commence on April 1, 2025, and extend until March 31, 2028.
The decision to elevate Kakkar was approved during a board meeting held on March 26, 2025. This move reflects MSIL’s commitment to enhancing its leadership team and adapting to the evolving automotive landscape. Kakkar brings over 35 years of experience at Maruti Suzuki, having previously served as Senior Executive Officer and leading the Corporate Planning division.
Kakkar’s extensive background includes pivotal roles in shaping the company’s strategic direction and driving organizational restructuring initiatives. His appointment is viewed as a step towards strengthening local representation within the board, which now consists of six Indian and six Japanese members.
In his new role, Kakkar will be responsible for steering Maruti Suzuki’s long-term vision and strengthening localization efforts. His expertise in corporate planning and supply chain management positions him well to address future challenges and opportunities in the automotive sector.
Kakkar holds an engineering degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, and an MBA from the Asian Institute of Technology, where he was a gold medalist. Throughout his career at Maruti Suzuki, he has played a crucial role in establishing localized supply chains for strategic projects and has led joint ventures with international companies in advanced automotive technologies.
This appointment is significant not only for Maruti Suzuki but also for the broader Indian automotive industry. It underscores Japan’s commitment to ensuring robust Indian representation in strategic decisions, highlighting the increasing importance of the Indian market within Suzuki’s global operations.
RC Bhargava, Chairman of Maruti Suzuki, commented on this historic decision, stating that it represents a continuation of strong partnerships between Indian and Japanese stakeholders. He emphasized that Kakkar’s deep understanding of the Indian market will provide valuable insights that benefit both Maruti Suzuki and its parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation.
As Maruti Suzuki continues to expand its operations in India, Kakkar’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in navigating market dynamics and enhancing the company’s competitive edge. With plans for further investments and growth initiatives underway, his appointment signals a proactive approach towards leveraging local talent in driving innovation and performance.
In addition to his new responsibilities at MSIL, Kakkar also serves as a director on the boards of several associate companies, including Mark Exhaust Systems Ltd., SKH Metals Ltd., and Hanon Climate Systems India Pvt Ltd.
Sunil Kakkar’s appointment as Whole-time Director at Maruti Suzuki marks a significant moment in the company’s history, reflecting its commitment to local leadership and strategic growth. As he steps into this role, Kakkar is poised to influence the future trajectory of one of India’s most iconic automotive brands.
Key Highlights:
- Sunil Kakkar appointed as Whole-time Director at Maruti Suzuki, marking a historic first for an Indian employee.
- His tenure will run from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028.
- Kakkar brings over 35 years of experience at Maruti Suzuki and will focus on corporate planning.
- The appointment underscores growing local representation on the board amid increasing market importance.