Toyota Motor Corp. is handing non-Japanese executives major promotions in the third overhaul of its complex business structure in six years, as President Akio Toyoda seeks ways to make the world's largest automaker more nimble.
Didier Leroy, appointed to the highest rank for a non-Japanese executive a year ago, adds the newly created chief competitive officer position as of April 1, Toyota said Wednesday in a statement. Steve St. Angelo, who helped steer the carmaker through its unintended acceleration crisis, is the lone executive newly becoming a senior managing officer.
Leroy and St. Angelo will be among senior executives overseeing seven business units managing Toyota's sprawling product strategy and development efforts, with responsibilities ranging from compact cars to commercial vehicles and Lexus luxury models.