Detroit, Mich (May 21, 2014) – Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. President and CEO Osamu “Simon” Nagata is the recipient of the 2014 Industry Leadership Award, which will be presented during the SAE Foundation Banquet on May 22^nd at the historic Masonic Temple in downtown Detroit.
 
The Industry Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the mobility industry. Nominees must have achieved a significant level of success in their STEM careers, demonstrated innovation and risk taking and have established a new direction or developed a position that challenged the industry. They must also have made contributions outside of their industry, exemplified through community education, philanthropic or government activities. Previous recipients have included GM President Mary Barra (2013), Ford President Alan Mulally (2008) and former Toyota Motor Corporation President, Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda (2005).
 
Mr. Nagata has worked for Toyota for over 34 years where he has served in leadership positions in manufacturing, purchasing and external affairs and is currently head of Toyota’s North American engineering and manufacturing operations. During that time, he has seen first hand the value of STEM education and has embraced the SAE Foundation’s educational programs, such as A World In Motion (AWIM), which brings automotive engineers into the classroom providing hands-on STEM education and problem-solving exercises. During a recent visit to the 186^th Street Elementary School in Gardena, Calf. Mr. Nagata listened as the children described what they’d learned from the program, and thanked Toyota for their support. Following the presentation, the students challenged Mr. Nagata to a race. A challenge he happily accepted.
 
“The Toyota USA foundation has been supporting SAE programs to educate students from elementary through high school and beyond. It is very important for us to give these opportunities for children to be involved in some activity related to STEM education.” Nagata said. “I believe we need to keep encouraging the younger generation to have expertise in science technology. Because this is their life, they are responsible for our society when they have grown up.”