Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has announced the appointment of Sunil Kakkar as Whole-time Director designated as Director (Corporate Planning) for a three-year term beginning 1 April 2025. The decision was approved during a Board of Directors meeting held on 26 March 2025.
Sunil Kakkar brings with him over 35 years of experience within the company. Currently serving as Senior Executive Officer, he heads the Corporate Planning vertical and plays a vital role on MSIL’s Executive Committee. His appointment to the Board signals a strengthening of the company’s leadership team at a time when the Indian automotive sector is undergoing rapid changes in electrification, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing localisation.
Kakkar is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and holds an MBA from the Asian Institute of Technology where he was awarded a gold medal. During his tenure at MSIL, he has led critical functions such as supply chain management and served as Plant Head for the Gurgaon facility. His leadership has been key to localising production and forging international joint ventures with partners from Japan, Italy, and France. These ventures have contributed significantly to Maruti Suzuki’s capabilities in technologies such as Automated Manual Transmissions (AMT), plastic fuel tanks and high-tensile sheet metal components.
In addition to his responsibilities within Maruti Suzuki, Kakkar serves as a Director on the boards of associate companies including Mark Exhaust Systems Ltd, SKH Metals Ltd, and Hanon Climate Systems India Pvt Ltd. He also holds industry roles serving as Chairman of SIAM's Aatmanirbhar Bharat Sourcing Group, Chairman of ASSOCHAM’s National Council on Auto & Auto Ancillaries, and member of the CII Japan Council. He was recently recognised with the ‘Best Supply Chain Head’ award by World Auto Forum in 2020 and the ‘Supply Chain Leader of the Year – Auto 4 Wheeler’ award in 2022.
Maruti Suzuki’s decision to elevate Kakkar to the Board and reassign Kenichiro Toyofuku to a sustainability-focused role reflects the company’s strategic emphasis on long-term planning, sustainability goals and industry alignment with the Make in India initiative. The transition also comes at a time when India’s largest carmaker is preparing to expand its electric and hybrid vehicle portfolio and deepen domestic sourcing.
According to official disclosures, Kakkar is not related to any other director of the company and is not under any restriction or order by regulatory authorities. His appointment complies with SEBI’s Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements, along with applicable stock exchange rules.
Also Read
