Career Reminisces of Toyota Presidents in Interviews by Shinya Yamamoto
Toyota's New Leadership Embraces Monozukuri and Sustainability
Toyota Motor Corporation has made significant changes to its leadership and organizational structure, with three new presidents taking the helm of various divisions within the company. Among them, Operating Officer Koji Sato, known for his deep passion for cars and car culture, has been entrusted with leading the Chassis Engineering Division.
Sato's journey at Toyota began in the Technology Administration department, far from his initial desire to work in the engine division. However, it was in the Chassis Engineering Division where Sato discovered the joys of monozukuri, the Toyota production system that emphasizes quality, efficiency, and respect for people.
Sato's experiences in the Chassis Engineering Division have shaped his leadership style. He learned the importance of drawings in manufacturing, a lesson he had to learn the hard way when he had to fix drawings on the production floor due to incorrect welding symbols. This experience taught Sato to put more thought into the drawings, a practice that has become a cornerstone of his approach to design.
Sato's passion for cars extends beyond his executive role. He is a collector of notable vehicles, including the Lexus LC, the fourth-generation Supra (A80), and the iconic AE86 Corolla Levin. Sato frequently follows used car listings and auctions to find rare parts and vehicles, demonstrating his genuine enthusiasm for cars. Sato is described as a "true car enthusiast" who remains committed to preserving the intrinsic value of cars while leading Toyota into new mobility eras like electrification and hydrogen power.
In addition to the Chassis Engineering Division, Toyota has created two new dedicated units: the BEV Factory and the Hydrogen Factory. The BEV Factory, led by President Takero Kato, and the Hydrogen Factory, led by President Mitsumasa Yamagata, each bring together all processes under a single leader to speed up decision-making and execution.
The new management team held a briefing on April 7, with the theme of "Inheritance and Evolution." This theme emphasizes honoring Toyota-isms while accelerating their implementation. The briefing marked a significant step in Toyota's ongoing transformation, as the company continues to adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by the shift towards sustainable mobility.
[1] Source: Toyota Global Website [2] Source: Nikkei Asia
Unfortunately, there is no detailed publicly available information on the personalities or car interests of Takero Kato and Mitsumasa Yamagata. The sources primarily highlight Koji Sato’s background and vision but provide no specifics about Kato’s or Yamagata’s personal traits or passions related to cars.
Sato's journey at Toyota is a testament to the power of hands-on experience and a deep-seated passion for cars. As Toyota embarks on a new era of sustainable mobility, Sato's leadership is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the company's future.
- As Toyota advances into new mobility eras like electrification and hydrogen power, the leadership of the BEV Factory and Hydrogen Factory, namely Takero Kato and Mitsumasa Yamagata, will likely leverage their resources from the finance and technology sectors to ensure industrial and automotive innovation.
- With Koji Sato's passion for cars and extensive experience in the automotive industry, particularly in the Chassis Engineering Division, he will undoubtedly collaborate with financial, technological, and transportation sectors to refine Toyota's vehicles while preserving the intrinsic value of cars in a more sustainable manner.
