A Toyota dealership is seen on November 19, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
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Toyota Motor announced Friday that Chief Executive Officer Koji Sato will step down and be replaced by its Chief Financial Officer, Kenta Kon, marking the automaker’s second CEO transition in three years.
The leadership shakeup will take effect on April 1, with Sato assuming the position of vice chairman and a newly created role as chief industry officer.ย
“Under this new leadership structure, Sato will focus on the broader industry, including Toyota, as Vice Chairman and CIO, while Kon will focus on internal company management as President and CEO,” the company said in a statement.ย
Board adjustments will also come in June 2026, with Kon joining as a director and Sato resigning from his board seat.ย
Sato was appointed CEO in 2023, succeeding Akio Toyoda. Shares rose about 1.5% following the news.
Toyota Motor, which also announced its earnings on Friday, raised its full-year operating profit forecast by 11.8%, citing a weak yen and cost reductions to help offset the impact of U.S. tariffs.
