The marketing and sales head of Maruti Suzuki India, Mayank Pareek, today resigned after spending 20 years at the country's largest carmaker.

Pareek, who is designated Chief Operating Officer (marketing and sales), has preferred not to comment on this matter but people familiar with the development, he confirmed that Pareek has quit to pursue 'better opportunities'.

The company spokesperson also declined to comment.

Speculation is rife that Pareek may join Tata Motors, which has been seeking a revival in fortunes in the passenger cars segment.

Besides the company chairman R C Bhargava, Pareek is the only other Indian who is at a senior post in the company in which majority stake is owned by Japan's Suzuki Motor Corporation

Pareek's decision to quit comes at a time when Maruti is gearing up to launch its premium sedan Ciaz next month. The company is finding it tough to find a foothold in the bigger car segment.

Pareek had played an important role in continuing the rural drive of the company initiated by former managing director Jagdish Khattar. He has been hailed for taking steps to keep the company's sales counter ticking.