Toyota Motor announced today that its Chief Executive, Koji Sato, will step down in April after only three years at the helm of the world’s largest automaker.
Under the new executive structure at the company, Koji Sato, President and Member of the Board of Directors, will assume the position of Vice Chairman and the newly established role of Chief Industry Officer (CIO), and Kenta Kon, Operating Officer will assume the position of President and Chief Executive Officer.
Toyota said the new leadership structure ensures Sato will focus on the broader industry, including Toyota, as Vice Chairman and CIO, while Kon will focus on internal company management as President and CEO, “to accelerate management decision-making in response to changes in the internal and external environment and to establish a structure that will enable Toyota to fully carry out its mission of contributing to society through industry.”
Sato succeeded Toyoda as CEO in April 2023, following Toyoda’s 14-year tenure, a period when the automaker was heavily criticized for its slow progress on battery EVs. Under Sato’s leadership, marked by challenges such as tariffs and difficulty retaining market share in China, Toyota’s shares delivered a total return of 111%, including dividends.
Toyota remained the largest car manufacturer globally in 2025, with sales increasing by 4.6% to a new high of 11.3 million vehicles. The U.S. market contributed significantly, selling 2.5 million units.
Toyota shares rose 2% following the announcement.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
