Honda Malaysia appoints Narushi Yazaki as new CEO amid leadership transition

Honda Malaysia has named Narushi Yazaki as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st April 2025. The appointment marks a significant leadership transition as Yazaki succeeds Hironobu Yoshimura, who concludes a three-year tenure at the helm of the company.

Yazaki steps into the role with more than 25 years of experience within Honda’s global operations. His career spans several key international postings, including Japan, Thailand, and the United States. Prior to his Malaysian appointment, Yazaki was based at Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, where he was involved in Corporate Administration Operations.

In a statement, Yazaki expressed both gratitude and determination. “I am honored to take on this responsibility at Honda Malaysia, a market known for its dynamic growth and significant contributions to the Honda brand in the Asia and Oceania region,” he said. “I aim to build on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors and continue driving Honda Malaysia’s growth and success.”

Yazaki’s arrival comes as the company looks to navigate an increasingly competitive automotive landscape, shaped by shifting consumer expectations, electrification trends, and post-pandemic market realignments.

Outgoing CEO Hironobu Yoshimura will return to Honda’s Tokyo headquarters, where he is expected to take on a new role within the corporation. Yoshimura’s time in Malaysia was defined by stability and consistency. Under his leadership, Honda maintained its position as the country’s top-selling non-national passenger car brand for 11 consecutive years, while also steering the company through the tail end of the COVID-19 crisis and its economic aftershocks.

The leadership transition signals continuity as well as change for Honda Malaysia. Yazaki inherits a brand with a strong foothold in the local market, but also faces the challenge of sustaining growth in a rapidly evolving industry.

Industry observers will be watching closely to see how Honda Malaysia adapts under Yazaki’s leadership, particularly in areas such as hybrid and electric vehicle adoption, aftersales innovation, and local manufacturing strategy.