In a historic move, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has appointed Sunil Kakkar as the first Indian employee to serve as a whole-time director on its board. This landmark appointment, effective from April 1, 2025, marks a significant shift in the company’s leadership dynamics and reflects the growing influence of Indian executives within Suzuki Motor Corporation’s global operations.

The decision was ratified during a board meeting held on March 26, 2025, where Kakkar was designated as Director (Corporate Planning) for a term of three years, concluding on March 31, 2028. With this appointment, the MSIL board will now consist of six Indian members and six Japanese members, showcasing a balanced representation that underscores India’s increasing importance in the company’s strategic decision-making.

Kakkar has been with Maruti Suzuki since 1990, accumulating over 35 years of experience in various capacities. Previously, he served as the Senior Executive Officer responsible for corporate planning and played a pivotal role in steering the company’s strategic initiatives. His extensive background includes leadership positions in supply chain management and production operations.

This appointment is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first instance of an Indian employee being nominated to such a senior role by Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC). Historically, Indian representatives on the board were primarily government nominees or independent directors. The move signals SMC’s commitment to fostering local leadership and enhancing collaboration between Indian and Japanese stakeholders.

Kakkar has been with Maruti Suzuki since 1990, accumulating over 35 years of experience in various capacities. Previously, he served as the Senior Executive Officer responsible for corporate planning and played a pivotal role in steering the company’s strategic initiatives. His extensive background includes leadership positions in supply chain management and production operations.

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 been instrumental in establishing localized supply chains for critical projects and has led joint ventures with international companies in advanced automotive technologies.

In his new role as Whole-time Director, Kakkar will focus on enhancing Maruti Suzuki’s strategic roadmap while driving initiatives aimed at making the company more agile and future-ready. His leadership is expected to play a crucial role in navigating challenges within the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

As Maruti Suzuki continues to expand its footprint in India’s automotive market, Kakkar’s appointment is seen as a vital step towards strengthening its competitive edge. The company aims to regain its market share through new product launches and innovations that cater to changing consumer demands.

With plans for significant investments in electric vehicles and sustainable practices, Kakkar’s expertise will be essential in guiding these initiatives. His leadership is anticipated to foster a culture of innovation within the organization while maintaining strong operational efficiency.

Sunil Kakkar’s appointment as Whole-time Director at Maruti Suzuki represents a significant milestone for both him and the company. As he steps into this pivotal role, his extensive experience and strategic vision are expected to drive growth and innovation within one of India’s leading automotive manufacturers.

Key Highlights:

• Sunil Kakkar appointed as Whole-time Director at Maruti Suzuki, effective April 1, 2025.
• He becomes the first Indian employee nominated to such a position by Suzuki Motor Corporation.
• Kakkar brings over 35 years of experience from various leadership roles within Maruti Suzuki.
• His appointment reflects India’s growing influence in global corporate governance at Suzuki.