Toyota has announced the appointment of Takayuki Yoshitsugu as the chief representative of its Middle East and North Africa (Mena) representative office with effect from July 1.
Yoshitsugu, who succeeds Nobuyuki Negishi, will lead strategic business growth and marketing initiatives as Toyota seeks to consolidate its leadership position in a region that represents a key growth market for the brand.
An industry veteran with over 28 years of experience handling various sales and marketing functions at Toyota, mainly covering the Middle East and Southeast Asian markets, Yoshitsugu brings to his new role a wealth of automotive knowledge and a deep understanding of the regional market and its demands.
“I’m delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to lead Toyota into its next phase of growth in a region that counts among the fastest growing markets for our brand. Having been closely involved with Toyota’s business in the Middle East for many years, I’m confident that my regional background and understanding of customer needs and preferences will prove very helpful as I work with my team to further build our brand and business,” Yoshitsugu said.
“At Toyota, our priority has always been our customers and my immediate focus will be on strengthening the sales and marketing efforts for the Toyota and Lexus brands in the region,” he added.
Toyota has seen consistent growth in sales in the Middle East, selling a total of 691,631 units in 2013 to end the year with a 10 % growth in sales as compared to the previous year.
“The Middle East automotive market is projected to record strong growth in the coming years. Toyota expects to be at the vanguard of this market lift-off by strengthening our competitive advantage in the region – both through aggressive sales and marketing and through adopting a customer-oriented approach to all aspects of our business, from product design and development to after-sales service and support,” said Yoshitsugu.
