Toyota made several leadership changes at its data and software division, Toyota Connected North America, the company said Wednesday.
TNCA promoted Christopher Yang to president and CEO. He will continue his responsibilities as group vice president of business development and deputy general counsel of the corporation’s in-house legal department, Toyota Legal One.
Yang is taking over the role of former TCNA CEO Steve Basra, who left the company June 30.
In addition, James George will take over as TCNA's senior vice president and chief operating officer. He will continue his responsibilities as general manager of electric vehicle charging solutions with the business development division of Toyota Motor North America. Similarly, Kohta Arai, head of global operations at TCNA and TMNA, will take over as chief liaison officer while continuing his current responsibilities.
General Counsel Nilay Davé also added the role of chief compliance officer to his existing responsibilities.
According to a company press release, the new appointments aim to strengthen Toyota’s software and AI initiatives to support its revamped electrification strategy. The automaker’s plans include developing solid-state, lithium-ion batteries for future EVs with driving ranges over 600 miles.
In March, Toyota announced it shifted more than half of its R&D staff and budgets to accelerate its work on electrification, advanced battery technologies, software-based vehicles and streamlined manufacturing efficiencies to reduce costs.
TNCA is best known for developing the company’s in-house telematics service provider, according to Toyota.
