India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd has announced that Hajime Aota will assume the role of Chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group with effect from 1 January 2026. Mr Aota brings decades of experience across corporate strategy, planning, and new business development within the automotive industry. Over the course of his career, he has held senior leadership positions in several major markets, including Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, giving him a broad global perspective on business operations and growth.
Before his appointment in India, Mr Aota served as Executive Officer at Yamaha Motor Co, Ltd, and as Chief General Manager of the Corporate Strategy Center at the company’s headquarters in Japan. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing corporate strategy, sustainability initiatives, and digital initiatives, and played a key role in advancing the company’s digital transformation efforts.
Mr Aota has also led Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley (YMVSV) as its Chairperson. In this capacity, he guided the company’s venture investments in emerging areas such as robotics, mobility solutions, fintech, insurtech, digital health, and data-focused technologies.
His work in corporate planning and new business creation has contributed significantly to shaping Yamaha Motor Group’s long-term direction. He was closely involved in developing the group’s 2030 vision, “Art for Human Possibilities,” and continues to support its implementation across global operations. Academically, Mr Aota has completed the Program for Leadership Development (PLD) at Harvard Business School and holds a degree in Political Science from Keio University, Japan.
Speaking on his new role, Mr Aota said, “India is one of the most vibrant and fast-changing two-wheeler markets in the world. The expectations of Indian customers, particularly younger riders, resonate strongly with Yamaha’s emphasis on design, performance, and innovation. Taking on the responsibility of leading Yamaha Motor India is an honour. My priority will be to further strengthen the brand by offering products that reflect Yamaha’s engineering strengths while addressing the specific needs of Indian consumers. I look forward to working with our teams and business partners to build steady, long-term growth and deepen Yamaha’s footprint in India.”
Yamaha Motor India is a prominent subsidiary of the global Yamaha Motor Company, known for its high-performance motorcycles, scooters, and power products. Established in India in 1985, the company has consistently delivered innovative and reliable two-wheelers, catering to diverse customer needs across urban and rural markets.
Yamaha is recognized for its strong emphasis on quality, performance, and advanced technology. With a robust manufacturing presence, Yamaha offers a wide range of motorcycles, including the FZ, R15, and MT series, alongside scooters like Fascino and RayZR. The company is committed to sustainability and the evolving mobility needs of Indian consumers.
