Bengaluru: Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. has announced the appointment of Hajime Aota as the new Chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group, effective January 1, 2026.
Aota brings extensive experience in corporate strategy, corporate planning, and new venture business development within the automotive sector. He has held senior leadership roles across key global markets, including Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Prior to his appointment in India, Aota served as Executive Officer, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., and Chief General Manager – Corporate Strategy Center (CSO) at the company’s global headquarters in Japan, where he led corporate strategy, sustainability initiatives, and digital strategy, with a strong focus on driving digital transformation.
He has also served as Chairperson of Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley (YMVSV), Yamaha Motor’s strategic venture capital arm, overseeing early-stage investments in robotics, transportation, fintech, insurtech, digital health, and data-driven technologies. In addition, he has played a pivotal role in new business development and corporate planning, contributing significantly to the long-term growth strategy of the global Yamaha Motor Group. He was instrumental in shaping Yamaha Motor’s 2030 long-term vision, “Art for Human Possibilities,” and continues to champion its execution.
Aota holds a Program for Leadership Development (PLD) from Harvard Business School and is a graduate in Political Science from Keio University, Japan.
Commenting on his appointment, Hajime Aota, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said, “I am very excited to begin my journey in India, one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse two-wheeler markets. The rapidly evolving aspirations of Indian consumers, especially the youth, align strongly with Yamaha’s focus on premium products, innovation, and a customer-centric approach. Leading Yamaha in India is a significant responsibility, and my focus is on strengthening the brand by delivering products that seamlessly combine Yamaha’s global engineering excellence with the evolving needs of Indian riders. I look forward to working closely with our teams and partners to drive sustainable growth and reinforce Yamaha’s presence in this important market.”
