Toyota Australia has announced former sales chief Dave Buttner as its new president and the man who will close its manufacturing operations and establish the business as a full-line importer within four years.
Previously the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Buttner will take charge of Toyota Australia on May 1 – the same day Max Yasuda, the current president and CEO, assumes the newly created role of Chairman of the Board.
Toyota said the new arrangement will strengthen its management group as it embarks “on the difficult process of closing its manufacturing operations and transitioning to a national sales and distribution company” by the end of 2017.
Yasuda, who started his career with Toyota in 1972 before becoming its Australian chief in August 2007, said that as part of his new responsibilities he will oversee the Board of Directors and will provide independent advice to the leadership team.
"The next few years will be a turning point for the company as we work hard to support our employees and shape our future direction," he said.
"The new role will allow me to provide more independent advice and support the decision making processes of the board."
Meantime, Buttner will oversee all of Toyota Australia’s operations, including production of the facelifted Camry.
Toyota currently employs about 3900 staff and says it remains committed to Australian manufacturing until the end of 2017 but, as it announced in February, that number will shrink by around 2500 when Toyota becomes the last car-maker to stop building cars in Australia.
"Our focus during the next few years is to provide ongoing support to all of our employees as we transition to a sales and distribution company," said Buttner.
"While doing this, we also need to ensure that we continue to deliver high quality and exciting new cars for our customers so that Toyota remains the number one automotive brand in Australia."
Buttner joined Toyota in 1987 and has held various positions in manufacturing, production control, quality administration, production engineering, purchasing and sales and marketing, before being appointed Executive Vice President in 2012.