Osamu Suzuki, the former chairman and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation, passed away on December 25, 2024, at the age of 94 due to malignant lymphoma.
Born Osamu Matsuda on January 30, 1930, in Gero, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, he joined Suzuki in 1958 after marrying Shoko Suzuki, the granddaughter of the company’s founder, Michio Suzuki. Following Japanese custom, he adopted his wife’s family name, becoming Osamu Suzuki.
Suzuki’s leadership spanned over four decades, during which he transformed the company into a global automotive powerhouse. He became president and CEO in 1978 and later served as chairman from 2000 until his retirement in 2021. Under his guidance, Suzuki Motor Corporation expanded its presence worldwide, notably entering the Indian market with Maruti Suzuki, which remains a dominant player in India’s automotive sector.
Known for his frugality and hands-on management style, Suzuki emphasized cost-effective production and quality. He was instrumental in forming strategic alliances with companies like General Motors, Volkswagen AG, and Toyota Motor Corporation to advance automotive technology and expand market reach.
Suzuki’s contributions to the automotive industry were recognized globally, earning him several awards, including the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India in 2007.
He is survived by his wife, Shoko, and their three children, including his son, Toshihiro Suzuki, who succeeded him as president of Suzuki Motor Corporation.
