Tata Motors Appoints Former Maruti COO Mayank Pareek

In what could be called a classic case of poaching, Tata Group’s auto wing, Tata Motors has appointed Maruti Suzuki India’s former chief operating officer, Marketing and Sales, Mayank Pareek as President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit (PVBU). Pareek will take over from Ranjit Yadav, who will now be heading International Business for Passenger & Commercial vehicles vertical of the company. Pareek will officially join from 1st October.

Pareek will be responsible for reviving the dwindling sales of the passenger unit of the auto maker, which reported a decline reported in all the segments in August as against last year. “His extensive experience in the passenger car market will play a significant role in harnessing Tata Motors growth potential to help position the company as one of the leading passenger car manufacturers in India,” the company said in a statement. Pareek will also become a part of the Corporate Steering Committee, which was set up by Cyrus Mistry himself to oversee the operations of the company.

Prior to joining Tata Motors, Pareek was with Maruti and had put in his papers on 15th September. 2014. His exit from the largest car maker was the second top-level exit from the company following the resignation of Sudam Maitra, COO of Supply Chain unit, who had resigned in May. Reports have suggested that Pareek was one of the senior-most Indian officials in the company.

“He comes with over two decades of experience with (MSIL). His last role was as the Chief Operating Officer, wherein he was heading the Marketing & Sales vertical that included Domestic Marketing and Sales, Dealer Development, Product Development, Used Car Business, Outbound Logistics, Spare Parts and Accessories, After Market Services and International Marketing & Sales. He was also member of MSIL Management Committee, and a permanent invitee to the MSIL Board,” the company added in the statement.

Pareek started his career in 1982 with state-run BHEL and worked in the manufacturing function and joined Maruti Udyog in 1991. He is credited for new strategic initiatives like leasing, financing and used car business during his stint in Maruti. His exit from the company came at a time when the auto maker was planning to launch Ciaz Model, which will be positioned as a mid-size sedan, competing with Honda and Ford in that segment.