TORRANCE, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2013)– Toyota Motor North America (TMA) today announced the appointment of Latondra Newton to chief corporate social responsibility officer, effective immediately.

Prior to her new appointment, Newton served as chief diversity officer, where she oversaw philanthropy, the Toyota USA Foundation and corporate diversity and inclusion strategy.

In her new role, Newton’s responsibilities now include oversight of Toyota’s diversity and philanthropy functions across national affiliates.

Since 2009, Newton has held leadership roles at TMA, overseeing corporate planning activities, corporate image research, economic forecasting, competitor analysis and corporate marketing.

Newton also managed the facilities and transportation purchasing department at Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America, Inc. (TEMA), where she directed the procurement of capital equipment, building construction and logistics services for North America.

In 1991, Newton began her career at Toyota and held a variety of positions at TEMA, including assistant general manager of the Human Resources, Management Development and Diversity Department, where she started the corporate diversity function for North American manufacturing.

Drawing outside recognition for her work, Automotive News named Newton a Rising Star Under 35 in 2000, and as one of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry in 2010.