Akio Discusses Group Rejuvenation Two Weeks After Unveiling His Plan
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda's Diverse Journey Shapes His Leadership
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda's career at the automotive giant has been marked by a diverse array of experiences, spanning several decades and various departments. This extensive journey has played a significant role in shaping his leadership style and approach.
Chairman Toyoda joined Toyota Motor Corporation in April 1984, working his way through nearly every phase of automotive operations. One of his formative experiences was at the Motomachi Plant, where he worked on a Crown model change as part of the Plant Administration Division. This experience instilled in him the concept of genchi-genbutsu, emphasizing the importance of people close to the products and the genba having a voice.
Before joining Toyota, Chairman Toyoda had worked in investment banking in the U.S. and U.K. for about two years and then at a consulting firm. However, his father, a former Toyota president, warned him that no one would want him working under them at Toyota due to his family name. Despite this, Chairman Toyoda persevered, and his early career at Toyota was marked by feelings of isolation.
In 1998, Chairman Toyoda was appointed Executive Vice President and board member at New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI), Toyota’s joint venture with GM in California. This position exposed him to international production environments, providing a valuable global perspective.
Returning to Japan in 2000, Chairman Toyoda joined Toyota's board of directors, where he led initiatives such as the gazoo.com platform and supervised domestic and international marketing and production management consulting. He held various leadership roles, including Chief Officer of the Asia & China Operations Center (2001), Managing Director (2002), Senior Managing Director/Officer (2003/2011), and Executive Vice President with responsibilities spanning IT, quality, product management, purchasing, and sales both in Japan and overseas.
In June 2009, Chairman Toyoda became President of Toyota Motor Corporation, a position he held for 13 years until January 2023 when he became Chairman. His tenure as President was marked by a focus on transforming the company, a commitment he reaffirmed during a dialogue with 80 frontline leaders from 20 Toyota Group companies held at a training facility in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture.
Chairman Toyoda's leadership reflects deep operational expertise combined with strategic vision, shaped by decades of experience in both technical and managerial capacities within Toyota. His academic background, including a law degree from Keio University and an MBA from Babson College, likely further contributed to his business acumen and leadership style.
Chairman Toyoda's perspective is that those who can't find happiness in their current job may never find happiness. His experiences, regardless of department, were valuable in teaching him about the people he would meet, the skills of different disciplines, and the professionalism needed to be recognized. Despite being seen as a "car guy", Chairman Toyoda has consistently advocated for work to revolve around roles, not titles.
In conclusion, Chairman Akio Toyoda's mindset as the leader of Toyota has been formed by his comprehensive progression through Toyota’s operational, marketing, development, and international management roles, giving him a broad perspective on the company’s business and industry challenges. His diverse experiences have equipped him with the skills necessary to lead Toyota into the future.
[1] Reference links have been omitted for brevity.
- Chairing Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio Toyoda's leadership in finance, business, and leadership has been shaped by a distinguished career marked by diversity, spanning operational, marketing, development, and international management roles.
- With an academic background in law and business management, Chairman Toyoda's broad perspective on Toyota's business and industry challenges, stemming from his diverse experiences, has equipped him with the necessary skills to lead Toyota towards future success.
