Toyota CEO Sato Steps Down, CFO Kon Named Successor, Reuters Reports

World's largest automaker announces leadership change as industry faces major disruption.

06 Feb 2026 | 1874 Views | By Shristi Ohri

Toyota Motor Corporation announced Friday that Chief Executive Koji Sato will step down from his position and be replaced by the company's Chief Financial Officer, Kenta Kon.

According to Reuters, Sato will transition to the role of vice chairman and chief industry officer. The leadership change comes as the automotive industry faces significant disruption.

In their new roles, Kon will concentrate on internal company management while Sato will focus on broader industry matters, the company said in a statement.

Toyota said the restructuring is designed to accelerate decision-making in response to the vast changes sweeping the automotive sector.

Sato was scheduled to hold a press conference at 3:30 p.m. local time (0630 GMT) on Friday to address the transition.

The announcement marks a significant shift in leadership for the world's largest automaker as it navigates evolving market conditions and technological transformation in the automotive industry.

RELATED ARTICLES

Carmakers work Sundays, Holidays to Meet Festive Demand

Ketan Thakkar 27 Oct 2026

Maruti Suzuki’s October output could exceed 2.5 lakh vehicles, while Tata Motors has worked additional Sundays as manufa...

Tata Motors Secures Acceptances for 89.42% Iveco Stake, Crosses Offer Threshold

Autocar Professional Bureau 27 Oct 2026

Shares tendered under the offer are worth €3.43 billion; the acquisition would bring Tata Motors closer to its ambition ...

High-Tech Two-Wheelers Power EV Revenue Surge at Auto Parts Supplier Sona

Shahkar Abidi 26 Oct 2026

The automotive component maker expands two-wheeler EV portfolio, driving record quarterly revenue.

NEXT STORY