Maruti Suzuki has appointed Kenichi Ayukawa as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in place of Shinzo Nakanishi. The new appointment is effective 1 April 2013 as Nakanishi has attained the age of retirement.

The changes were decided in a board meeting which was attended by Suzuki Motor Corporation chairman Osamu Suzuki. Nakanishi, who has steered Maruti Suzuki for the past six years as its managing director & CEO has been associated with Maruti from its inception in 1982. He served in various capacities at Maruti Suzuki for the past 30 years including its Chairman, when Jagdish Khattar was MD. Nakanishi succeeded Khattar as MD in December 2007.

Ayukawa has been associated with Suzuki’s European operations. The board approved his appointment today.