Maruti Suzuki India has announced a key leadership transition, with Kazunari Yamaguchi stepping down as Director (Production) effective September 30, 2026. He will remain with the company as a Non-executive Director. Concurrently, the automaker has appointed Sarada Prasana Nayak as the new Head of Production and Production Engineering, effective October 1, 2026. Nayak brings over three decades of manufacturing experience, particularly in large-scale CAPEX and capacity expansion, to lead the firm's strategic manufacturing operations.
Maruti Suzuki Announces Senior Leadership Transition
Kazunari Yamaguchi to step down as Director (Production) on September 30, 2026; Sarada Prasana Nayak appointed as new Head of Production effective October 1, 2026.
Reader Takeaway: Leadership change in manufacturing leadership balances strategic continuity with new expertise in large-scale CAPEX and capacity expansion.
What just happened
Maruti Suzuki India has notified the exchange of a formal reshuffle within its senior management. Mr. Kazunari Yamaguchi, who serves as the Whole-time Director (Production), is set to resign from his executive position at the close of business on September 30, 2026. This transition follows the withdrawal of his nomination by the parent entity, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan. Mr. Yamaguchi will remain on the board as a Non-executive Director and will depart from the Risk Management Committee as of the same date.
The New Appointment
Effective October 1, 2026, Mr. Sarada Prasana Nayak will assume the role of Senior Management Personnel, designated as Head (Production and Production Engineering). Mr. Nayak brings over 30 years of industrial experience to the company, with a focus on executing large-scale CAPEX programs.
What changes now
Mr. Nayak is tasked with overseeing the company’s entire manufacturing domain, including the development of long-term business plans. His professional background highlights an extensive tenure managing greenfield and brownfield projects from the initial concept phase through to commissioning. Furthermore, his mandate includes steering the company’s multi-location plant operations, driving smart factory initiatives, and advancing capacity expansion efforts while focusing on carbon-neutral manufacturing goals.
What to track next
Investors should monitor how this shift in leadership influences the company's progress on its announced capacity expansion projects and its transition toward greener manufacturing technologies. The focus will remain on the seamless integration of Mr. Nayak into the senior leadership team and his execution of the existing production roadmap.