Toyota North America Announces Key Leadership Changes for 2027

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has announced a significant executive leadership transition set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Mark Templin, currently TMNA's executive vice president and chief operating officer, will become the new president and CEO, succeeding Ted Ogawa. Hiroshi Nambu, president of Toyota Motor Corporation's (TMC) Business Planning & Operation division, will step into the role of chief operating officer for TMNA.

New Leadership at the Helm

Effective January 1, 2027, Mark Templin will assume the top leadership position for Toyota's North American operations. His responsibilities will encompass manufacturing, research and development, sales, marketing, product support, and various corporate functions across the region. This change marks a strategic move to foster global leadership development within the company.

Hiroshi Nambu will take over Templin's previous role as TMNA's chief operating officer. These appointments are part of Toyota's broader strategy to enhance collaboration across its global regions and ensure a smooth transition of leadership. The changes reflect the company's continuous effort to adapt and strengthen its operational framework.

Ted Ogawa, the outgoing president and CEO, will return to Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan. He will serve as a Senior Fellow, overseeing external affairs activities for specific Toyota-owned businesses. Ogawa will continue as CEO through December 31, 2026, and then act as a Senior Executive Advisor from January through March 2027, before fully transitioning to his new role at TMC in April.

Ogawa's Legacy and North American Investment

Since taking the helm of Toyota's North American operations in April 2020, Ted Ogawa navigated the company through unprecedented industry challenges. These included a global pandemic, significant supply chain disruptions, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Under his guidance, Toyota made substantial investments in manufacturing, technology, and its workforce.

A key achievement during his tenure was the 2025 opening of Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina. This facility represents Toyota's first in-house battery plant outside of Japan, involving a nearly $14 billion investment and creating up to 5,100 jobs. This initiative was a crucial step in the company's electrification strategy for the region.

Ogawa also oversaw plans for an additional $10 billion investment in U.S. operations over five years, which will bring Toyota's total U.S. investment to nearly $60 billion. More recently, the company announced a $3.6 billion expansion of its San Antonio, Texas, manufacturing operations, projected to increase production capacity and generate approximately 2,000 new jobs. This period saw significant growth and strengthening of Toyota's North American organization, fostering greater collaboration across various departments.

Experience Driving Future Growth

Mark Templin brings extensive experience to his new role as president and CEO. He has been instrumental in Toyota's North American operations, and his leadership is expected to build upon the foundation established by his predecessor. Templin's focus will be on maintaining competitiveness, supporting employees, dealers, and suppliers, and delivering mobility solutions that meet customer needs.

Hiroshi Nambu's appointment as COO further strengthens the new leadership team. Nambu joined Toyota in 1993 and has a diverse background, including roles at Toyota Motor Sales USA from 2004 to 2007, where he coordinated product planning and development. His experience in Japan sales from 2013 to 2017 deepened his understanding of Toyota's core principles, including a strong customer focus.

Nambu's career also includes roles in Corolla channel operations and product and cost planning transformation. His global business planning experience has allowed him to build strong relationships with regional teams and stakeholders. This combined expertise is anticipated to enhance collaboration and drive continued success for Toyota North America leadership.

This leadership transition reflects Toyota's strategic focus on developing global talent and fostering stronger collaboration across its operations. The changes aim to sustain its growth and adapt to the evolving automotive landscape, ensuring continued service and innovation for Toyota owners and future customers.