Toyota Announces Executive Leadership Appointments in North America

"These appointments will bring new insights into strengthening Toyota's ability for more collaboration enterprise-wide, helping us respond more quickly to the market and our customers' needs," said Jim Lentz, chief executive officer, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA).

The changes announced include:

Scott Cooke is named group vice president, Chief Risk Officer, at Toyota Financial Services (TFS) in Plano, Texas, where he will have responsibility for Risk Management across the Americas Region, Dealer Credit and Information Security.

Susan Elkington is named Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, (TMMK) president in Georgetown, Kentucky, where she will have responsibility for all manufacturing and administrative operations.

Kent Rice is named group vice president Quality at HQ in Plano, Texas, where he will have responsibility for promoting overall North America Toyota Quality direction including Product Quality and Service Support.

Sean Suggs is named Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi, (TMMMS) president in Blue Springs, Mississippi, where he will have responsibility for all manufacturing and administrative operations. He also will assume the role of TMMMS Administration vice president.

Cindy Wang is named group vice president, Treasury, at TFS in Plano, Texas, where she will have responsibility for leading Treasury and Vendor Management Office (VMO) business units within Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC), including responsibilities for Global and Americas Region Treasury.

Retiring executives:

Wil James will retire in February 2018 after completing over 30 years of service. He most recently served as TMMK president in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Bob Waltz will retire on Jan. 11, 2018, after completing over 32 years of service. He most recently served as group vice president of Product Quality and Service Support (PQSS) in Plano, Texas. He will serve as executive advisor of PQSS beginning January 2018 until his retirement