Japanese automaker Suzuki’s former chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), Late Osamu Suzuki, was awarded India’s second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, posthumously for his contributions to the Indian automotive industry, according to the official announcement.
Osamu Suzuki, who passed away at the age of 94 years, was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, posthumously, for exceptional and distinguished service in the Indian auto sector.
Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, received the award on behalf of his father, Osamu Suzuki.
Osamu Suzuki, former CEO of Suzuki Motor, posthumously conferred with Padma Vibhushan
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Who was Osamu Suzuki?
Osamu Suzuki was a pioneer of the global automotive industry. 94-year-old executive passed away on Wednesday, 25 December 2024, because of a Malignant lymphoma.
Following his graduation from Chuo University’s Faculty of Law, Suzuki joined Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd. in 1958, and following over five years of service with the company, he was elected as Director of the Japanese automaker.
Following the rechristening of the company to Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1990, in 2000, Suzuki was elected as the Director and Chairman of the company.
He stepped down as Chairman and became a Senior Corporate Advisor to the auto giant.
Awards of Osamu Suzuki
Osamu Suzuki has received numerous prestigious awards from various countries. Based on the official company statistics, Suzuki was awarded the Sitara-e-Pakistan award by the Pakistani government in 1985, the Medal with Blue Ribbon by Japan in 1987, and the Commander’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit by Hungary in 1993.
He also was given the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star from Japan, and in 2002 was enshrined in a Hall of Fame of Japan Automobile Hall of Fame.
Once again in May 2004, Suzuki was awarded the Commander’s Cross with the Star of the Hungarian Order of Merit.
He was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2007, India’s third-highest civilian honor. In March 2020 he was also awarded the Grand Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit by Hungary.
