Akio Toyoda is a Japanese business executive who currently serves as the chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation. He was previously the company’s president and chief executive officer (CEO). As the grandson of the great Kiichiro Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio has demonstrated his exceptional leadership by guiding the brand to its peak, despite challenges such as the international recession, global vehicle recalls, and the devastating 2011 tsunami that severely impacted the automotive industry.

A brief background to this outstanding man: Mr. Akio Toyoda was born on May 3, 1956, in Nagoya, Japan, to Shoichiro Toyoda, a former chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation. His parents chose the name Akio, which means Bright, Clear, Husband, and Man—befitting his Japanese heritage. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Keio University and later pursued a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Babson College in Massachusetts. Upon his return to Japan in 1982, Mr. Akio joined Toyota Motor Corporation.

As a dedicated TMC employee, Toyoda gained experience in all key areas of the company’s operations, including marketing, production, and product development, both in Japan and internationally. In 1998, he became a board member and vice president at the company’s joint venture with General Motors (GM) in California.

In 2000, he returned to Japan and was appointed to the TMC Directorial Board. He played a key role in launching and supervising Gazoo.com, an online shopping guide designed to provide information on new and used vehicles. He also oversaw domestic marketing campaigns, Toyota’s operations in the U.S., and production management. In 2001, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Toyota’s Asia operations, and the following year, he took charge of the Sino Operations Center (SOC).

After serving two years as Senior Managing Director, Akio was promoted to Chief Officer for China Operations, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. Later, he took on the role of Executive Vice President and Representative Director, overseeing key areas such as Information Technology, Product Management, Quality, Purchasing, Domestic and Overseas Sales, and Foreign Operations.

In 2009, Akio was appointed President of Toyota Motor Corporation, propelling the company to its status as the world’s largest automobile manufacturer. His leadership played a crucial role in strengthening Toyota’s global presence, maintaining quality standards, and driving innovation.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Akio Toyoda is a passionate car enthusiast. He is married and has two children—a son and a daughter. His love for motorsports is evident in his participation in professional racing events under the pseudonym “Morizo.” He has competed in the ADAC 24 Hours race three times. The ADAC GT Masters, a grand tourer-based auto racing series organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organization (SRO) and supported by the German ADAC automotive club, has been one of the racing platforms he has participated in. Although primarily based in Germany, select ADAC GT Masters events take place worldwide.

Akio Toyoda has been an embodiment of passion and dedication within Toyota Motor Corporation. Thanks to his leadership, Toyota once again regained its position as the top automaker in the world in 2012 and has continued to maintain its status as a global industry leader.

For his significant contributions, Mr. Akio Toyoda was honored as “Autocar’s Man of the Year” in 2012. His legacy continues to inspire the automotive industry, and his influence remains strong in Toyota’s journey toward innovation and excellence.