Japanese automotive giant Toyota has just announced the appointment of Kenta Kon as the company’s chief executive officer. Previously Toyota’s executive vice president and a close associate of President Akio Toyoda, he will soon succeed Koji Sato, who was named head of the automaker in 2023 following Toyoda’s departure.
Koji Sato will become vice president of Toyota and will assume a newly created role as chief industrial operations officer. While this change might be perceived as a demotion, that’s not the case. Within Toyota Motor Corp., it’s viewed instead as a realignment intended to ease Sato’s workload.
Indeed, Sato was recently appointed president of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association in January. He also serves as vice chairman of Keidanren, Japan’s most powerful business federation.
According to a statement released on February 6, Akio Toyoda explained that Koji Sato will now focus on broader automotive industry issues, including those affecting Toyota, while Kenta Kon will be responsible for the company’s internal management and administrative operations.
(Photo Toyota)

