Maruti Suzuki accepts Kazunari Yamaguchi resignation as production director
- Kazunari Yamaguchi resigned as Whole-time Director (Production) effective September 30, 2026
- Resignation follows withdrawal of nomination by Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan
- Sarada Prasana Nayak appointed as Head (Production and Production Engineering) effective October 1, 2026
- Yamaguchi continues as Non-executive Director and steps down from Risk Management Committee
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited announced the resignation of Kazunari Yamaguchi from the post of Whole-time Director designated as Director (Production), effective close of business hours on September 30, 2026. The move follows the withdrawal of his nomination by Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan.
Yamaguchi will continue to serve as a Non-executive Director of the company. He also stepped down as a member of the Risk Management Committee with the same effect. The disclosure was made under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations & Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
Leadership transition in production
Concurrently, the Board of Directors appointed Sarada Prasana Nayak as Senior Management Personnel (SMP) designated as Head (Production and Production Engineering). His appointment is effective October 1, 2026, under existing full-time employment terms.
Nayak brings over 30 years of experience in planning large-scale CAPEX programs and leading teams to set up greenfield and brownfield projects from concept to commissioning. His role involves strategizing capacity expansion, lean multi-location plant operations, smart factory initiatives, and sustainable operations.
Profile of incoming head
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Sarada Prasana Nayak |
| Designation | Head (Production and Production Engineering) |
| Effective Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Experience | Over 30 years in manufacturing and CAPEX |
| Education | Graduate in Mechanical Engineering |
Nayak is an alumnus of Utkal University and Ravenshaw College, Odisha. His expertise includes localization, supplier development, introduction of new technologies, and carbon-neutral initiatives within the manufacturing domain.
Governance implications
The resignation marks a shift in the executive leadership structure for the production division while maintaining continuity through Yamaguchi’s retention as a Non-executive Director. This ensures that strategic oversight remains connected to the parent entity, Suzuki Motor Corporation, despite the change in operational leadership.
Historical Stock Returns for Maruti Suzuki
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +0.98% | -1.62% | -10.34% | -3.20% | -24.97% | +62.42% |
How will Sarada Prasana Nayak’s focus on smart factory initiatives and carbon-neutral operations impact Maruti Suzuki’s capital expenditure plans for FY27?
What are the potential implications of the leadership transition on Maruti Suzuki’s production capacity expansion timelines and new model launch schedules?
Will the shift from a Japanese executive to an Indian senior management personnel alter the strategic alignment between Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki Motor Corporation regarding global sourcing?
20
Create Custom Screeners 
Access 200+ Pre-built Filters 
Use 50+ Readymade Screener 
