Toyota Announces Executive Leadership Reshuffle: Kenta Kon to Become President and CEO, Koji Sato Transitions to Vice Chairman

Toyota Unveils New Leadership Structure for 2026

Toyota Motor Corporation, a leading global automaker based in Japan, has announced a significant restructuring of its executive leadership, set to take effect on April 1, 2026. The changes will see Kenta Kon elevated to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while current President and CEO Koji Sato will transition to a new role as Vice Chairman and Chief Industry Officer.

This strategic realignment is intended to accelerate management decision-making, adapt to evolving internal and external environments, and strengthen Toyota's mission of contributing to society through industry.

Kenta Kon to Lead Internal Management as New CEO

Kenta Kon, who currently serves as an Operating Officer and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Toyota, will take the helm as the company's new President and CEO. Kon joined Toyota in 1991 after graduating from Tohoku University with a degree in economics. Throughout his career at Toyota, he has developed a strong background in finance, having held various senior roles including general manager of the accounting division by 2017 and becoming CFO in 2020. His experience also spans general administration, human resources, advanced engineering, and research and development. Kon is also a director at Woven by Toyota, the group's software-focused technology unit, and Toyota Fudosan, its real estate unit. His immediate priorities in the new role are expected to include improving the company's earning power and lowering the break-even volume.

Koji Sato Shifts to Broader Industry Engagement

Koji Sato, who assumed the role of President and CEO in April 2023, will move into the newly created position of Vice Chairman and Chief Industry Officer. Sato, a mechanical engineering graduate from Waseda University, joined Toyota in 1992. His extensive career at Toyota includes significant contributions to product development, leading the Lexus brand, and heading the GAZOO Racing Company.

In his new capacity, Sato will focus on broader industry issues and collaboration, aligning with his recent appointments as Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) in January 2026 and Vice Chair of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) in May 2025. This transition is designed to allow Sato to dedicate more attention to these external industry leadership roles.

Strategic Rationale for the Executive Restructuring

Toyota's decision to reorganize its top leadership reflects a strategic effort to enhance agility and responsiveness in a rapidly changing automotive landscape. The company stated that the changes are 'intended 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.' By separating the focus of internal corporate management under Kon and broader industry leadership under Sato, Toyota aims to optimize its operational efficiency and external influence.

The appointments are subject to formal approval at the 122nd Ordinary General Shareholders' Meeting, expected in June 2026, where Kon will also become a representative director and board member.

Looking Ahead

These executive changes underscore Toyota's commitment to adapting its leadership structure to meet future challenges and opportunities in the global automotive sector. With Kenta Kon focusing on internal operations and Koji Sato championing industry-wide initiatives, Toyota aims to strengthen its position and drive innovation in the years to come, effective April 1, 2026.