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Toyota Elevates Finance Chief Kenta Kon to CEO as Sato Shifts to Vice Chairman

Toyota says the change is meant to speed decision-making under mounting external pressures.

Overview

  • The transition takes effect April 1, with Kenta Kon moving from CFO to president and CEO and Koji Sato becoming vice chairman and chief industry officer.
  • Executive vice president Yoichi Miyazaki will become CFO, and Toyota plans June 2026 board changes that include Kon joining as a director and Sato resigning his board seat.
  • Announced alongside earnings, Toyota reported a steep quarterly profit decline of about 43% year over year but lifted full-year profit and operating profit forecasts on cost cuts and a weaker yen.
  • Toyota estimates U.S. tariffs will reduce operating income by roughly ¥1.45 trillion this fiscal year as competition from fast-moving Chinese automakers intensifies.
  • Kon, a longtime finance leader involved with Woven by Toyota and linked to the contested Toyota Industries buyout, has been tasked with strengthening earnings and accelerating decisions across the value chain.