New executive appointments strengthen company's future in
development of software and AI initiatives supporting Toyota's path
to electrified mobility
PLANO,
Texas, Aug. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota
Connected North America (TCNA) today announced executive leadership
appointments to further establish TCNA as a data and software
innovation hub for Toyota. Known for the ground-up development and
operations of Toyota Motor North America's (TMNA) in-house
telematics service provider, TCNA collaborates with TMNA and other
global Toyota companies to provide millions of customers with
data-driven services that enhance the Toyota and Lexus driving
experience.
As Toyota transforms its vehicles to become more connected and
electrified, TCNA aims to provide services that support Toyota's
global mission to become the electrified mobility company of choice
for consumers.
The following changes are effective immediately, unless
otherwise noted.
Christopher Yang is
promoted to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer,
TCNA, and will report to Toyota Connected Corporation President,
Keiji Yamamoto. Yang previously
served as TCNA's Executive Vice President and COO. Yang will
continue his current responsibilities at TMNA as Group Vice
President of Business Development and Deputy General Counsel of
Toyota Legal One.
James George has been
appointed to the role of Senior Vice President and COO, TCNA,
succeeding Yang. Additionally, George is appointed to TCNA's board
of directors. George will report to Yang. He maintains his current
responsibilities at TMNA as General Manager of EV Charging
Solutions within the Business Development division.
Kohta Arai, head of global
operations, TCNA, is appointed to the role of Chief Liaison
Officer, TCNA, and will report to Chris
Yang. In this role, Arai will be responsible for
enhancing collaboration between TCNA and global Toyota
organizations. Arai continues in his TMNA position as Head of
Global Operations in Business Development.
Nilay Davé, General Counsel, will continue to lead the
company's legal teams. Additionally, Davé was recently appointed
Chief Compliance Officer. He will also continue in his role,
leading TMNA Legal's technology transaction team.
Former TCNA President and CEO Steve Basra left the
company June 30th,
2023.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the
U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing
sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus
brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who
have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more
than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants.
By 2025, Toyota's 10th plant in North
Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for
electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road
than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 24 electrified
options.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based
fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education
hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance
to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The
hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and
curriculum through Toyota USA
Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more
information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
About Toyota Connected, Inc.
Based in Plano, Texas, Toyota
Connected North America (TCNA) was established in 2016 to
contribute toward Toyota's global vision for an intelligent mobile
society. TCNA is an independent Toyota company that serves as a
software and innovation hub, leveraging big data from vehicles to
humanize the driving experience and provide customers secure,
seamless and contextual services. Comprised primarily of software
engineers and data scientists, TCNA serves as a center of
excellence for connected services that elevate the customer
experience as well as benefitting dealers, distributors and
partners. At the heart of TCNA is Toyota's belief in human-centered
mobility and a fundamental commitment to personal privacy. Learn
more at www.toyotaconnected.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Corey Proffitt, Connected
Communications
Toyota Motor North America
646-971-4522
corey.proffitt@toyota.com
Jacob Brown, Connected
Communications
Toyota Motor North America
469-486-4042
jacob.brown@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Connected North America