Toyota Motor Names First Woman President as It Announces Executive Changes

Toyota Motor North America announced it has made some changes in its executive roles. The automaker also revealed it appointed its first female president who will lead its SA production facility.

The leadership shift in Toyota Motor’s North American business unit mainly involves the promotion and retirement of senior executives. The change will have a direct impact on the management of its manufacturing plants in San Antonio.

Executive Reshuffle for Growth

The vehicle manufacturer said the changes in executive posts in its operations in North America come as it is elevating its former Alamo City plant leader. ABC’s Ksat12 News reported that the changes are also part of the company’s efforts to drive growth while advancing the electrification of vehicles.

Moreover, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) said it is committed to electrifying its vehicles as it prepares for the future of mobility. The shifts also give Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) crucial flexibility when various supply chain issues threaten to significantly disrupt the business flow.

Confirmed Promotions and Retirement

Toyota Motor North America promoted Kevin Voelkel as the new senior vice president of its manufacturing plants. He will be managing the North American productions in five key facilities, including the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Baja California (TMMBC), Mississippi (TMMMS), Canada (TMMC), Texas (TMMTX), Guanajuato (TMMGT), and Indiana (TMMI).

Voelkel will report directly to Takefumi Shiga, the executive vice president of production, engineering, and manufacturing. Prior to this promotion, he was the president of the Texas plant and the group VP of Toyota’s North American Truck Manufacturing.

With Voelkel vacating his post due to the promotion, Susann Kazunas will take over his role as president of the San Antonio production facilities. She is the first female executive to be appointed in this position in the company’s expansive South Side campus. All the new appointments are effective immediately.

Meanwhile, as mentioned in the press release, Brian Krinock is leaving the company as he is retiring on March 31. He is a senior executive who has been with the company for more than three decades today.

Photo by: Toyota Motor Newsroom