Akio Toyoda

Shoichiro Toyoda, born on February 27, 1925, served as the Fourth President of Toyota.

In June 1929, the individual was appointed as the Former Vice Chairman of a certain organization or company.

Akio Toyoda, the current Chairman of the Board of Directors at Toyota Motor Corporation, was born on May 3, 1956. He holds degrees in law and business administration from Keio University and Babson College respectively.

In April 1979, Akio Toyoda graduated from Keio University with a degree in law. This educational background has contributed to his successful career in the automotive sector.

In 1982, Akio Toyoda joined Toyota Motor Corporation after completing his MBA from Babson College in Massachusetts. He started his career in the family business and has since then played a significant role in the company's growth and development.

In April 1984, Akio Toyoda joined Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC). This marked the beginning of his career within the company, eventually leading to his position as President.

In April 1992, the individual received the Medal with Blue Ribbon in Japan, a prestigious honor recognizing their contributions or achievements.

In October 1994, the individual received the National Order of the Southern Cross from the Federative Republic of Brazil, a significant recognition of their accomplishments or services.

Starting in April 1998, Akio Toyoda served as an executive vice president and board member at New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI), Toyota's production joint venture with General Motors in California. This experience broadened his international exposure in the automotive industry.

In January 2000, Akio Toyoda returned to Japan and was appointed to Toyota Motor Corporation's Board of Directors. He was tasked with overseeing the creation and management of gazoo.com, an online platform featuring virtual shops and vehicle information.

In June 2000, the individual became a Member of the Board of Directors at Toyota Motor Corporation.

In June 2001, Akio Toyoda was promoted to the position of Chief Officer of the Asia & China Operations Center at Toyota Motor Corporation. This role marked a significant step in his career within the company.

In June 2002, Akio Toyoda assumed the role of Managing Director at Toyota Motor Corporation. This appointment further solidified his position within the company's leadership.

In June 2003, the individual was promoted to the position of Senior Managing Director at Toyota Motor Corporation.

In January 2005, Akio Toyoda took on the role of Chief Officer for both the China Operations Group and the Asia, Oceania & Middle East Operations Group at Toyota Motor Corporation.

In June 2005, the individual was promoted to the position of Executive Vice President at Toyota Motor Corporation.

In June 2006, Akio Toyoda became an Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Member at Toyota Boshoku Corporation.

In 2007, Akio Toyoda, then Toyota's vice president, was preparing to participate in his first 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in Germany. He had been studying under master driver Hiromu Naruse and training with an A80 Supra.

On June 23, 2009, Akio Toyoda officially assumed the role of president at Toyota Motor Corporation, succeeding the previous president and CEO. This marked a significant milestone in his career.

On 17 February 2010, Akio Toyoda testified before the U.S. Congress regarding the massive global recalls of 8.5 million vehicles by Toyota, focusing on quality control issues and the company's future management strategies.

Naruse, a key member of Akio Toyoda's team, passed away on June 23, 2010, a year after Toyoda's appointment as president, leaving Toyoda with a sense of loss and continued frustrations.

Akio Toyoda, the grandson of Kiichiro Toyoda, becomes the Chief Executive Officer and President of Toyota Motor Corporation. Despite challenges like the 2011 tsunami and global recalls, he leads the company successfully.

Under the leadership of Akio Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation regained its position as the top automaker in the world in 2012.

In November 2013, Akio Toyoda was awarded the title of Officier in the L’ordre national de la Légion d’honneur in France.

In 2014, Akio Toyoda, racing as Morizo Kinoshita, achieved a significant success at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring by finishing 13th overall and first in class with a Lexus LF-A.

Akio Toyoda, the CEO of Toyota, addressed shareholders the year after the launch of the fourth-generation Prius, discussing the car and its significance. His message highlighted the importance of the new TNGA-based model.

In November 2017, Akio Toyoda received the Medal with Blue Ribbon in Japan.

In May 2018, the individual assumed the position of Chairman at the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.

In June 2019, during comments made after the Nürburgring race, the speaker expressed frustrations and emphasized the importance of making 'ever-better cars'.

At a press event on 14 December 2021, Akio Toyoda discussed Toyota's shift towards battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and the company's focus on developing safer, faster, and more fun-to-drive vehicles.

In 2022, Akio Toyoda, the President of Toyota Motor Corporation, creates an official Instagram account under the handle @akiotoyoda_official.

In January 2023, Akio Toyoda announced his decision to resign from the position of president and chief executive of Toyota Motor Corp after nearly 14 years, to become chairman. This move marked a significant shift in the company's leadership.

On April 1, 2023, Akio Toyoda stepped down as Toyota president and assumed the role of chairman of the board. Koji Sato took over as CEO of Toyota.

This special feature reflects on Akio Toyoda's 14-year tenure as Toyota's 11th president, focusing on the reforms he implemented from a product standpoint.