Key facts
- Toyota shareholders re-elected Akio Toyoda as chairman.
- New CEO Kenta Kon was backed as a board member.
- Four other directors were also re-elected.
- Kon confirmed continued investment in AI, robotics, and diverse powertrains.
- Former CEO Koji Sato stepped down from the board.
Toyota Motor shareholders re-elected Akio Toyoda as chairman and approved Kenta Kon as a board member, signaling investor confidence in the automaker's leadership and strategy. This marks the first annual meeting held during Kon's tenure as CEO, a role he assumed in April.
Shareholders also approved the re-election of four other directors. The vote of confidence highlights investor support for Toyota's current course, which includes growth in hybrid vehicle sales in markets like the U.S. and Japan. Kon, who previously served as Toyoda's secretary, officially took his seat on the board. Former CEO Koji Sato, now vice chairman, stepped down from the board.
Following the meeting, Kon indicated that Toyota would maintain steady investment in growth areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and its multi-pathway strategy for various powertrains, emphasizing a continued commitment without sudden shifts. The company is undergoing executive changes aimed at accelerating decision-making and strengthening international competitiveness, with Sato focusing on broader industry roles and Kon on internal management.