Chris Nielsen

  • Executive Vice President, Product Support & Chief Quality Officer
    Toyota Motor North America

Chris Nielsen is executive vice president of product support and chief quality officer for Toyota Motor North America (TMNA).

In his role, Nielsen oversees a number of functions including: quality, supply chain management, after sales service and accessories, and the Toyota Production System development groups.

Previously, Nielsen served as senior vice president of human resources, corporate strategy, and purchasing for Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA) located in Erlanger, Kentucky. During his tenure, Nielsen’s leadership was pivotal in the “One Toyota” Headquarters initiative resulting in a successful merger of two Toyota affiliates with distinct cultures that operated separately for over 30 years. Prior to that assignment, Nielsen was president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX) located in San Antonio, Texas. From 2003 to 2006, Nielsen served as project leader responsible for the overall design and construction of TMMTX, a $1.2 Billion project.

Nielsen joined Toyota in 1987 as a buyer at its Georgetown, Kentucky, plant and progressed through a series of positions including vice president of purchasing where he was responsible for overseeing over $30 Billion in parts and materials procurement.

He was the first American to participate in the management expatriation program, a year-long management development assignment with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in Japan in 1999.

Nielsen received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Kettering University in Flint, Michigan and Wharton Executive Education Certificate from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S. Board of Directors and serves as Chair of the Toyota Motor North America Audit Committee.

He is on the Executive Committee of the Dallas Regional Chamber and was the 2019 Chair. Nielsen also serves on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Manufacturers and the Board of Directors of the Manufacturing Institute. In addition, he is a member of the Dallas Citizens Council Board of Directors and the Texas 2036 Donor Advisory Council. Nielsen was named an Automotive News All-Star in 2007.

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