Suzuki GB picks chief for corporate and car arm

Suzuki GB has drafted in Takanori Suzuki as managing director of its automobiles and corporate operations division.

Suzuki, who is not related to the founding Suzuki family or the current chairman and chief executive Osamu Suzuki, joins from group headquarters in Hamamatsu in Japan, where he is head of the General Motors Liaison Group. Suzuki took up the UK position last week, replacing Hideki Awano.

Awano retires in autumn but will stay on as director and senior adviser for a few months to ensure a smooth handover. He has held the position for four years.

Suzuki appointed ex-Ford marketer Nick Palmer to the new role of sales and marketing director for its motorcycle division last month (MW June 9).

Palmer, who reports to recently appointed managing director of motorcycles Ichiro Kondo, is responsible for Suzuki’s all-terrain vehicles and marine engine business. His opposite number on the automobiles side of the business is David Seward.

Suzuki’s £12m ad account is handled by Nexus/H UK, with BLM Media looking after television planning and buying and Media by Design press planning and buying.