Toyota Motor Corporation has announced a significant leadership transition, with Kenta Kon, the current Chief Financial Officer (CFO), set to become the new President and CEO, effective April 1, 2026. Koji Sato, the current President and CEO, will transition to the roles of Vice Chairman and the newly created position of Chief Industry Officer (CIO). This reshuffling of top management aims to accelerate decision-making and enhance the company's competitiveness amidst a rapidly transforming automotive industry.
The announcement, made on Friday, February 6, 2026, signals Toyota's commitment to adapting to the sweeping changes affecting the global auto sector. These changes include the rise of electrification, the increasing importance of software in vehicle development, shifts in supply chains, and intensifying global competition.
Under the new structure, Sato will focus on broader industry trends, strategic partnerships, and long-term positioning, leveraging his experience and relationships as Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and Vice Chair of KEIDANREN (Japan Business Federation). His responsibilities will include promoting policy proposals centered on manufacturing and advancing industry collaboration to enhance Japan's industrial competitiveness.
Kon, as the new President and CEO, will concentrate on internal management and operational execution, with a focus on streamlining processes and improving efficiency. As CFO, Kon has been instrumental in improving Toyota's earnings structure and has gained cross-functional management experience at Woven by Toyota, Inc. He will continue to drive growth while balancing fiscal responsibility with agility.
The company has emphasized that this leadership change is part of a long-term transformation plan to ensure Toyota's continued success as a mobility company. By separating responsibilities between internal operations and external industry strategy, Toyota believes it can respond more effectively to the evolving demands of the market.
The executive changes are subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming 122nd Ordinary General Shareholders' Meeting and subsequent board resolutions. Yoichi Miyazaki will remain as executive vice president and representative director with adjusted responsibilities.
This transition comes at a time when global automakers are racing to adapt to rapidly changing technology and shifting consumer expectations, particularly regarding electric vehicles, software integration, and autonomous driving. Toyota's leadership believes that this restructuring will enable the company to maintain its competitive edge and fully carry out its mission of contributing to society through the automotive industry.
While Toyota recorded a net profit of 1.257 trillion yen ($8 billion) for the three months ended December, this was down 43% from the previous year. The company signaled that the leadership change was part of its long-term transformation planning.