Maruti Suzuki's Kenichi Ayukawa awarded ‘Best CEO’ by Forbes India

Maruti Suzuki India’s MD and CEO, Kenichi Ayukawa has been awarded ‘Best CEO – Multinational Company’ at Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA) 2016 in Mumbai.

Ayukawa was selected for steering Maruti Suzuki towards the “next phase of sustainable growth” and driving “deep-rooted changes in the organisation”.

The jury recognized his achievements as a CEO which included adaptability to change, vision for India, strategic approach, and innovative thinking.

The jury was chaired by Harsh Mariwala, chairman, Marico and included Sanjay Nayar, CEO, KKR India;  Noshir Kaka, MD, McKinsey India; Zia Mody, managing partner, AZB & Partners; Roopa Kudva, MD, Omidyar Network and Manish Sabharwal, chairman & co-founder, TeamLease Services.

Ayukawa, who earlier served in the US, Japan and Pakistan, took over as the MD and CEO of Maruti Suzuki in 2013. In recent years, the company launched successful models like Baleno, Vitara Brezza, Ciaz, and Celerio. He was also instrumental in attracting new categories of customers through its new retail channel, Nexa.

Maruti Suzuki led the market in introducing the popular Auto Gear Shift technology in India, starting with Celerio in 2014 and in other popular models like Alto K-10, WagonR and Dzire Diesel. The company’s mild hybrid technology (SHVS), introduced in Ciaz and Ertiga, has boosted sales, besides benefitting the environment and supporting the Indian government’s FAME initiative. 

The company also enhanced passenger safety by offering dual airbags and ABS with EBD in most of its models, either as standard or as option in all variants. These and other initiatives have enabled the company to grow its share to 47% (in FY 15-16) in the passenger vehicles market, up from 38% five years ago and consistently grow profits.

Maruti Suzuki has also scaled up its social initiatives, doubling its CSR spend last year. Its efforts in skill development and driver training efforts benefit youths through enhanced employability, besides promoting road safety.

Interview: Kenichi Ayukawa on the company's target audience and focus on consumer satisfaction