Honda Cars India Appoints Toshiyuki Yanagisawa as President & CEO

Honda Motor Co. has appointed Toshiyuki Yanagisawa as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), effective October 1, 2026. The leadership transition is part of Honda’s long-term growth strategy for India, with Yanagisawa succeeding Takashi Nakajima, who will move to Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. after completing his assignment in the country.

Currently serving as an Operating Executive at Honda, Yanagisawa heads the India Strategic Development Office and is also the Chief Executive Officer of Honda Digital Innovation India Pvt. Ltd. (HDII). Following his appointment, he will continue to oversee HDII while simultaneously leading Honda Cars India, bringing together the company’s automotive and digital innovation businesses under unified leadership.

Yanagisawa is a seasoned Honda executive with extensive international experience and has previously worked in India, giving him a strong understanding of the country’s automotive industry, consumer preferences, and business environment. His appointment comes at a significant time as Honda intensifies its focus on India, which the company has identified as one of its three priority global markets alongside Japan and North America. Honda’s India Strategic Development Office is currently executing plans for an India-focused strategic vehicle targeted for launch in 2028.

As President and CEO of Honda Cars India, Toshiyuki Yanagisawa will lead the company’s business strategy, manufacturing operations, sales, marketing, dealer network, and digital transformation initiatives. His appointment reflects Honda’s long-term commitment to the Indian market as it accelerates product development, innovation, and sustainable growth in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets.