Toyota to get a new CEO on April 1; Akio Toyoda to be succeeded by Koji Sato

KUALA LUMPUR: In April 2023, Toyota’s current President and CEO Akio Toyoda will step down from the position making way for the company’s new successor, Koji Sato.

The reshuffling in the brand’s executive structure was recently announced by the Japanese automaker which sure came as a surprise for many. However, the credentials of the new successor are something to be impressed about, as Sato currently is the President of Lexus and Gazoo Racing.

What about Akio Toyoda? Fret not, the supreme following April 1, will be Toyota’s chairman of the board of directors. Speaking of his achievements, Mr. Toyoda served as the automaker’s CEO for almost 14 years with several memorable icons unleashed under his command. The list includes - the Toyota GT86, Toyota GR86, Toyota GR Supra, Toyota GR Corolla, Toyota GR Yaris, Lexus LFA, and Lexus LC 500.

The above line of cars was a result of Toyoda’s 2017 promise wherein he talked about a revamp of the brand’s lineup with ‘no more boring cars’. This was a result of him being an avid racer, competing under the alter ego ‘Morizo’.

The 53-year Sato will be Toyota’s 12th president and will be among a handful of people to head the company without any real connection to the Toyoda family.

Also Read: Toyota remains the best-selling automaker globally in 2022