Toyota Motor North America Announces Executive Changes

PLANO, Texas (Dec. 2, 2024) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today announced executive changes designed to drive continued growth, advance its commitment to vehicle electrification and building where it sells, and prepare for the future of mobility. The following Manufacturing, Finance and Accounting changes are effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Masanao “Mas” Watanabe, group vice president, Accounting and Finance, TMNA will take on the new role of executive vice president, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S. (MTMUS). He will report to Mitsunobu Mukaida, president, MTMUS.

Watanabe joined Toyota in 1996 and has held roles as vice president of accounting and finance, TMNA, and general manager of product and cost planning reform for Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC). Before his most recent role in Accounting and Finance, Mas served as vice president and treasurer, MTMUS, where he oversaw profit management and planning.

So Kasahara, general manager, Mid-Size Product Cost Planning Division, TMC, will replace Watanabe as group vice president, Accounting and Finance, and will report to Tim Ingle, group vice president and chief financial officer, TMNA.

About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s 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 30 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Ed Hellwig
[email protected]