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Who is Koji Sato?
Koji Sato is all set to take over as Toyota Motor Corp's (TMC) chief executive officer (CEO) on April 1, 2023. Sato is currently working as the chief branding officer and head of the luxury-car division with Toyota.
The 53-year-old will replace long-time CEO Akio Toyoda who’s held the position since 2009.
66-year-old Toyoda will take over as Toyota's chairman.
As an automaker, Sato is known for his slow approach towards electric vehicles and preference for the hybrid technology with the Prius along with investments in hydrogen. As a carmaker, he aspires to propose new forms of mobility.
As an automaker, Sato is known for his slow approach towards electric vehicles and preference for the hybrid technology with the Prius along with investments in hydrogen. As a carmaker, he aspires to propose new forms of mobility.
Sato who has studied diesel engine combustion was once quoted in an interview by the Gazoo website that he hopes to contribute to society by "creating the future of diesel engines."
The automaker started his career in 1992, by developing parts and components for Toyota’s popular Corolla sedan and Prius hybrid.
Early life and education:
Born on October 19, 1969, Sato graduated from Waseda University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in March 1992. Just a month after graduating, Sato joined Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in April 1992.
Career:
In his early career, Sato developed parts and components for Toyota’s popular Corolla sedan and Prius hybrid. He has also worked on hydrogen-fuel cell powered cars for Toyota. Hydrogen-fuel cell is a zero-emission technology that the company believes could be an alternative to battery electric vehicles.
In 2016, Sato was appointed as the chief engineer of Lexus International. He took over as the chief of Toyota’s luxury division in April 2017.
In January 2020, he was promoted to the position of operating officer and became the president of Lexus International Co.
Sato took charge as president of Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s motorsports and performance brand in September 2020.
In January 2021, he was again promoted to operating officer and appointed chief branding officer.
The first pure-battery electric model called RZ is the latest feather to his hat. RZ was announced in April 2022.
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