Maruti Suzuki sales head Pareek quits

Mayank Pareek, the chief operating officer (marketing and sales) of Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), has put in papers after nearly 20 years of service to pursue 'better opportunities', say sources familiar with the development.

Industry sources said he was likely to join Tata Motors, which had been seeking a revival in fortunes in the passenger cars segment.

A company spokesperson declined to comment on the development. Calls and messages to Pareek also did not elicit any response.

His departure comes when MSIL is gearing up to launch its premium sedan Ciaz in the first half of October. MSIL, largely known as maker of small cars, has been struggling to make its presence felt in the premium sedan segment.

Pareek had successfully continued MSIL’s rural drive initiated by former managing director Jagdish Khattar.

He has been credited for maintaining MSIL's sales upbeat and increasing market share even when the Indian automobile market underwent a protracted demand slowdown in the past two years.

Pareek’s is the second top-level exit since May in the company, when the Chief Operating Officer (supply chain) Sudham Maitra had quit.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited