Maruti Ropes in RS Kalsi to Fill in For Mayank Pareek Ahead of Ciaz Launch

Country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India today appointed RS Kalsi as head of domestic marketing and sales following the resignation of Mayank Pareek from the company. Kalsi, who is currently Executive Director heading the parts, accessories and outbound logistics divisions of the company, will report to the Managing Director Kenichi Ayukawa, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said in a statement.

Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director, will continue to head international marketing for the company, it added. Srivastava will also report to Ayukawa.

These changes follow the resignation of Mayank Pareek, Senior Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales) from Maruti Suzuki, the company said.

Commenting on the development Ayukawa said, "Having worked in close partnership with the company's domestic dealer network, Kalsi has a sound understanding of customer needs and preferences." He further said, "With Kalsi heading our domestic Marketing and Sales efforts, and Shashank spearheading our international operations, we will be in a very good position to strengthen our bond with customers as we move towards our medium term goal of two million annual vehicles sales."

Kalsi, a mechanical engineer from the Delhi College of Engineering, joined MSI in 1984. He served in various roles, including vendor development, supply chain, parts inspection and engineering, before being asked to spearhead the company's foray into new businesses like Maruti True Value, Maruti Insurance, Maruti Driving Schools and Maruti Finance in 2002.

Pareek, who is leaving MSI after putting in nearly 20 years at the company, has been credited for keeping the company's sales counter ticking and increasing market share even when the Indian automobile market went on a slump in the last two years.