Former Suzuki Motor Chairman Osamu Suzuk, dies at 94

Osamu Suzuki, former chairman of Japan's Suzuki Motor, has died, the company announced Friday.

He was 94 years old. Suzuki led the company for more than 40 years, until he stepped down as chairman in 2021, transforming the Shizuoka-based company into a global automaker.

Suzuki's journey began with humble roots. While pursuing a law degree at Chuo University in Tokyo, he worked as a junior high school teacher and night guard to support himself.

After graduating in 1953, he initially worked at a bank before his marriage brought him into the Suzuki family business.

This pivotal moment marked the start of a career that would span over six decades.

Taking over as president in 1978, Suzuki led the company through a period of significant expansion.

He leveraged Suzuki Motor’s expertise in minicars and motorcycles to carve out a unique niche in the global market.

Under his leadership, the company forged strategic alliances with General Motors and Volkswagen, enabling Suzuki to enter the competitive North American and European markets.

In India, his focus on affordable, small vehicles positioned the company as a market leader, a status it retains today.

Even after stepping down as president in 2000, Suzuki remained deeply involved in the company’s operations, assuming the roles of chairman and CEO.