Chennai, Dec 26 (IANS): Japanese-Indian car joint venture Toyota Kirloskar Motor Ltd Wednesday announced top level changes to strengthen the organisation and speed up decision making.

The revised organizational structure would come into effect Jan 1, the company said.

Shekar Viswanathan, deputy managing director (DMD, commercial), has been promoted as vice chairman, external affairs.

Sandeep Singh, DMD, sales, marketing and customer service, has been promoted as DMD and chief operating officer with additional responsibility of the company's commercial divisions.

Masanori Takahashi, DMD, technical and purchase, has been promoted as DMD and chief operating officer.

In his new role, Takahashi will head manufacturing, technical, purchase and vendor development including supplier support.

According to Toyota Kirloskar, all the above officials will continue to be in the company's board of directors.

Shigeru Tomonaga, currently holding the post of DMD, manufacturing, will be an executive advisor to TKM Board of Directors and chief of supplier support centre.

"As we expand our operations in India, we need our team to take up new roles and responsibilities. I wish my colleagues the best for their new endeavors," said Hiroshi Nakagawa, managing director and chief executive officer.