Toyota Kirloskar announces top management reshuffle

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) on Wednesday announced top management rejig with deputy managing director (Commercial) Shekar Viswanathan being promoted as vice chairman, external affairs, while its current marketing head Sandeep Singh has been elevated as deputy MD and COO.

The proposed changes will come into effect from January 1, 2013. The main objectives of these changes are to strengthen the organisation towards achieving TKM's vision and further enhance speed of decision-making, the company said in a statement.

Under the new structure, Viswanathan, will responsible for external affairs in his fresh role, it said.

Singh, who is at present deputy managing director, sales, marketing and customer service, will head sales, marketing, customer service and commercial divisions in his new role of deputy managing director and chief

operating officer.

The company further said Masanori Takahashi, deputy managing director, technical and purchase, has been promoted to the post of deputy managing director and chief operating officer. In his new role he will head manufacturing, technical, purchase and vendor development including supplier support.

As part of the changes, Shigeru Tomonaga, currently holding the post of deputy managing director, manufacturing will be an executive advisor to the TKM Board of Directors and chief of supplier support centre, it added.

"All the above mentioned executives will continue to hold positions in the company's Board of Directors," the statement said.

Commenting on the development, TKM managing director and chief executive officer Hiroshi Nakagawa said: "As we expand our operations in India, we need our team to take up new roles and responsibilities. I wish my colleagues the best for their new endeavours."