Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) president and CEO Dr Johan van Zyl has been appointed CEO of Toyota in Africa as part of a major restructuring announced by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in Japan.
The new position, which assigns all executive responsibilities in Africa to Van Zyl, covers all aspects of the company’s automotive business on the continent, including product planning, sales, manufacturing and exports.
The changes in executive management follow the new strategic direction set by Toyota’s Global Vision plan, which was announced in March 2011.
As part of Global Vision, the company calls for more “local initiative in management”, stating its intention of devolving strategic implementation to the various major regions.
Apart from Van Zyl’s appointment, TMC has also announced that it will divide its operations into four divisions that will be best suited to drive its targets for profitable growth.
The new divisions are Lexus International, which incorporates all activities surrounding the luxury Lexus brand; Toyota Number 1, which incorporates North America, Europe and Japan; Toyota Number 2, which includes China, Asia, the Middle East, East Asia and Oceania, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean; and Unit Centre, which incorporates engine, transmission and other vehicle-unit-related operations.
Within this new regional division, Van Zyl’s previous position as deputy chief officer for the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean and Latin American region falls away, and he will now serve solely as CEO of the Africa region. This includes retaining his responsibilities as TSAM president and CEO.