Lexus chief Koji Sato to take over as CEO of Toyota

Toyota has appointed Lexus president Koji Sato to the position of CEO, replacing long-serving Akio Toyoda.

Toyoda, grandson of the Japanese car giant’s founder, will become chairperson effective 1 April 2023. Since becoming CEO more than a decade ago, Toyoda has guided Toyota’s rise to become one of the world’s leading automakers.

Sato was appointed Chief Branding Officer at Toyota in January 2021. Prior to this, he was Chief Engineer of Lexus International in 2016, and in April of the following year, he ascended to Chief of Toyota’s luxury arm. In September 2020, he was also appointed President of Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s motorsport and performance road car brand.