The world's leading automaker just appointed its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Effective April 1, 2026, Toyota will have a new CEO, Kenta Kon. The executive will replace Koji Sato, who first became CEO three years ago after Akio Toyoda stepped back as CEO.

The appointment of a new CEO is part of Toyota's executive changes and Board of Directors, as the automaker navigates a challenging business environment, particularly the need to accelerate practical initiatives for industry collaboration to strengthen international competitiveness. Toyota will also continue advancing its transformation as a mobility company and wants to strengthen industry collaboration, as well as expand partnerships beyond the industry.

Before being appointed as CEO, Kenta Kon served as the brand's Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Toyota wants to improve its earning power, which forms the foundation of continuing to make ever-better cars and lowering break-even volume. Kon has been at the forefront of improving Toyota's earnings structure and has gained cross-functional management experience at Woven by Toyota, Inc.

Outgoing Toyota Motor Corp. CEO Koji Sato

Kenta Kon's appointment as CEO appears to mark a crossroads for Toyota, as the automaker chose an executive who specializes in numbers and finance. In contrast, outgoing Toyota CEO Koji Sato is an engineer by trade and has cut his teeth in both Lexus and Toyota.

After serving as CEO of the company, Sato will take on a newly created role as Chief Industry Officer (CIO). Here, Sato will focus more on the broader industry and will also serve as vice chairman of the Board of Directors at Toyota. On the other hand, Kon as CEO will focus on internal management as the Toyota president & CEO. Sato will also continue his role as Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA).

The change in roles, according to Toyota, is intended to accelerate the management decision-making process to changes in the internal and external environment. It's also aimed at establishing a structure that will allow Toyota to fully carry out its mission of contributing to society through industry.

With Kenta Kon at the helm of Toyota Motor Corporation, we're curious as to where the executive would steer the company, as demand for electrified cars continues to grow.