Sunil Kakkar is a distinguished automotive executive and corporate strategist, currently serving as the Director (Corporate Planning) at Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL). With a career spanning more than 35 years at Maruti Suzuki, he has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction, driving business transformation, and strengthening its leadership in India’s automotive industry. As a member of the Executive Committee, he oversees corporate planning and plays a key role in preparing the organization for future growth through strategic initiatives and organizational transformation.
An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Sunil Kakkar holds a degree in engineering and earned his MBA from the Asian Institute of Technology, where he graduated as a Gold Medalist. His academic foundation, combined with decades of industry experience, has enabled him to successfully lead several large-scale manufacturing, supply chain, and corporate planning initiatives.
Over the course of his career, Sunil Kakkar has held a variety of leadership roles across manufacturing, supply chain, and operations. He has served as Head of Supply Chain and Plant Head of Maruti Suzuki’s Gurgaon facility, where he played a vital role in enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the company’s manufacturing expansion. His contributions have also been central to increasing localization across the automotive value chain by facilitating strategic technology partnerships with global companies from Japan, Italy, and France in areas such as automated manual transmission (AMT), electronic controllers, plastic fuel tanks, and advanced high-tensile steel technologies.
Beyond his responsibilities at Maruti Suzuki, Sunil Kakkar actively contributes to the growth of India’s automotive ecosystem. He serves on the boards of several associate companies, including Mark Exhaust Systems Limited, SKH Metals Limited, and Hanon Climate Systems India Private Limited. He also holds key positions in leading industry bodies, serving as Chairman of SIAM’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat – Sourcing Group, Chairman of ASSOCHAM’s National Council on Auto & Auto Ancillaries, Honorary Chairman of the INVEST Northern Zonal Council, and a member of the CII Japan Council, where he promotes localization, manufacturing excellence, and international collaboration.
Sunil Kakkar’s leadership and contribution to supply chain excellence have been widely recognized across the automotive industry. He received the Best Supply Chain Head – Passenger Vehicles Award at the World Auto Forum Awards 2020 and was honoured as the Supply Chain Leader of the Year – Auto (4-Wheeler) in 2022 by Alden Global in association with NASSCOM. His continued focus on innovation, strategic planning, and operational excellence has helped reinforce Maruti Suzuki’s position as India’s leading automobile manufacturer.
