Toyota Motor Announces New President

Toyota Motor Corporation announced its next president on January 26th. Koji Sato, who has been with the company since 1992, has been selected to lead Toyota into the future. Sato has a background as an engineer and served as the chief engineer for the launch of the flagship coupe Lexus LC in 2017. He will take over the baton of Chief Branding Officer from current President Akio Toyoda.

Starting in 2020, Sato will serve as President of Lexus International Co. and GAZOO Racing Company. He will lead the company’s race participation of hydrogen engine vehicles and communicate about the company’s efforts towards a carbon-neutral society.

The Next President’s Career at Toyota

Sato has pursued a career as an engineer and served as chief engineer for the launch of the Lexus LC in 2017. He will take over the baton of Chief Branding Officer from current President Akio Toyoda in 2021.

In addition to his engineering background, Sato has been a part of the Toyota community since 1992. He has been a part of the company’s efforts toward a carbon-neutral society and has been instrumental in leading the company’s race participation in hydrogen engine vehicles.

President Toyoda’s Choice for the Next President

President Toyoda chose Sato as his successor for several reasons. Sato shares Toyoda’s passion for cars and has a deep understanding of the automotive industry. He has also been a part of the Toyota community for many years and has a strong understanding of the company’s values and mission.

In an interview, President Toyoda stated that he needed an insider to lead the company into the future. He felt that Sato was the right person for the job as he has spent time with him on the car and with engineers on site. He also mentioned that he wanted to make the request for Sato to be the next president in a closed room, but felt that it would be better to make the request in the same environment as usual.

The Announcement of the Next President

The announcement of Sato as the next president was made in a unique way. President Toyoda approached Sato during an endurance race in Buriram, Thailand, and asked him to be the next president. Sato was taken aback by the request, but he accepted the offer.

During the interview, Sato mentioned that he and President Toyoda talked about their feelings toward cars and their expectations for leading Toyota while watching the race cars. This moment was a chance for the two leaders to pass the baton just like the race cars on the circuit.