From ‘Hiro’ to ‘Masa’: Toyota Motor PH now under new leadership

New helm to push for stronger collaboration in PH auto industry

From ‘Hiro’ to ‘Masa’: Toyota Motor PH now under new leadership

MANILAToyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) has officially introduced Masando Hashimoto as its new president.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • How old was Masando Hashimoto when he assumed the role as Toyota Motor Philippines president?

    Hashimoto was only 46 years old when he assumed the position of being the TMP president.
  • When did Hashimoto start his career in Toyota?

    Hashimoto's career in Toyota started in 2007.
  • The ceremonial turnover was held on Tuesday with Hashimoto assuming the leadership role from Atsuhiro Okamoto, whose stint was riddled with major challenges — being welcomed by the eruption of the Taal Volcano followed by the ill-effects of the Covid-19 health crisis that affected not just the country, but whole world.

    Okamoto x Hashimoto

    In his speech, TMP Chairman Alfred Ty welcomed the new president by underscoring the latter’s wealth of experience gained from 24 years in the manufacturing industry.

    With his career at Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) started in 2007, the 46-year-old executive’s expertise had spanned various critical functions such as global sales and business planning, Asia distribution, and human resource management.

    Hashimoto’s career highlights

    After holding numerous managerial positions within TMC, Hashimoto became senior division coordinator in 2016 at Toyota Motor Thailand, where he handled distribution operations. In recent years, Mr. Hashimoto developed an in-depth understanding of the Asian market and the specific nuances of the Philippines.

    Last year, Hashimoto joined TMP as the Senior Vice President for Marketing.

    Masando Hashimoto

    With his recent appointment, Hashimoto now holds the record of being the youngest president in TMP history.

    Aside from being the TMP president, he also serves as the chairman of Toyota Mobility Solutions Philippines, TMP’s mobility services arm and wholly-owned subsidiary.

    Masando Hashimoto

    In his address, Hashimoto urged for a stronger collaboration in the automotive industry and seeks to harness the fullest potential of the Philippine human capital. “As [local> manufacturing remains at the core of its business, Toyota can have the best of both worlds of hardware for production quality and software for [highly skilled> workforce,” he said.

    The turnover of leadership comes as TMP further grows with new mobility solutions and automotive value chain innovations.

    Masando Hashimoto

    TMP is also preparing for the local production of the IMV 0 (Zero), the company’s third completely-knocked-down model and game-changing light commercial vehicle that was unveiled last year.

    “Under your leadership, we look forward to the introduction of the next-generation Tamaraw, a step-up in our drive towards electrified and connected mobility and the further upliftment of the lives of Filipinos,” Ty said.

    Okamoto’s achievement in TMP

    Meanwhile, Ty also recognized Okamoto’s leadership during his time as president.

    "Even amidst the darkest days of the pandemic, Mr. Okamoto steered Team Toyota Philippines with unwavering resolve, launching new models, maintaining workforce integrity, and standing in solidarity with our customers, dealers, suppliers, and partners," Ty shared.

    Atsuhiro Okamoto

    In his capacity as the company president, Okamoto led TMP to new historical record high sales and had one of the highest manufacturing quality and efficiency standards in the Southeast Asian region.

    Also, TMP — under Okamoto’s tenure — went back to pre-Covid operating levels by 2022.

    TMP executives

    Meanwhile, Toyota remains to be the best-selling car marque for the 22nd straight year — with TMP setting a new all-time sales record last year.

    Photos from Ruben Manahan IV

    Also read:

    Toyota PH guarantees ‘no affected units’ in latest engine certification issue

    Toyota PH manufacturing facility will soon be 100% renewable energy-powered

    Toyota Lite Ace to be utilized for free shuttle services in Santa Rosa, Pasay

    Ruben Manahan IV

    Ruben Manahan IV

    Started his journalism stint as cub reporter for a local daily, Fort has been a news junkie ever since he started his career. He has covered for various sections of the newspaper ranging from politics to lifestyle, but his heart now belongs to motoring.

    Read Full Bio

    Sell your car at the best price

    Verified and genuine buyers Verified and genuine buyers
    Free listing Free listing
    List your car

    Toyota Car Models

    • Toyota Hilux
      Toyota Hilux
    • Toyota Raize
      Toyota Raize
    • Toyota Vios
      Toyota Vios
    • Toyota Wigo
      Toyota Wigo
    • Toyota Avanza
      Toyota Avanza
    • Toyota Rush
      Toyota Rush
    • Toyota Innova
      Toyota Innova
    • Toyota Hiace
      Toyota Hiace
    • Toyota Fortuner
      Toyota Fortuner
    • Toyota Veloz
      Toyota Veloz
    Toyota Cars Price

    PIMS 2024

    You might also be interested in

    • News
    • Featured Stories
    • Upcoming
    • Toyota Vios 2024
      Toyota Vios 2024
      ₱832,000 Expected Price Manila
      Expected Launch TBA Alert Me When Launched
    • Toyota Tamaraw
      Toyota Tamaraw
      Price coming soon
      Expected Launch TBA Alert Me When Launched

    Latest Toyota Car Videos on Zigwheels

    Zigwheels
    • BEYOND ZERO Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Hydrogen Combustion Prototype Exclusive Look | Zigwheels.Ph
      BEYOND ZERO Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Hydrogen Combustion Prototype Exclusive Look | Zigwheels.Ph
      29 Oct, 2024 .
    • The Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup Lives! | TGR Philippine Cup 2024 | Out and About Episode 1 | ZWVLOG
      The Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup Lives! | TGR Philippine Cup 2024 | Out and About Episode 1 | ZWVLOG
      04 Oct, 2024 .
    • Toyota Avanza "Fit for Every Fam!" | Zigwheels.Ph
      Toyota Avanza "Fit for Every Fam!" | Zigwheels.Ph
      12 Sep, 2024 .
    • 2024 Toyota Zenix Q Hybrid Spec Guide | Zigwheels.Ph
      2024 Toyota Zenix Q Hybrid Spec Guide | Zigwheels.Ph
      23 Jul, 2024 .
    • Next-Generation Toyota Tamaraw Short Walkaround and First Look! | ZigWheels.PH
      Next-Generation Toyota Tamaraw Short Walkaround and First Look! | ZigWheels.PH
      04 Jun, 2024 .
    • 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross S HEV Review | Zigwheels.Ph
      2024 Toyota Yaris Cross S HEV Review | Zigwheels.Ph
      15 May, 2024 .
    • 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross S HEV Spec Guide | Zigwheels.Ph
      2024 Toyota Yaris Cross S HEV Spec Guide | Zigwheels.Ph
      15 May, 2024 .
    • Top Features of 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid | Specs Guide
      Top Features of 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid | Specs Guide
      18 Apr, 2024 .
    • 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 G Hybrid First Look | Zigwheels.Ph
      2024 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 G Hybrid First Look | Zigwheels.Ph
      12 Apr, 2024 .
    • 2024 Toyota Innova E Spec Guide | Zigwheels.Ph
      2024 Toyota Innova E Spec Guide | Zigwheels.Ph
      03 Apr, 2024 .
    Latest Toyota Car Videos

    Toyota Car Articles From Carmudi

    • journal
    • Toyota PH to roll out emergency roadside assistance during Undas
      Toyota PH to roll out emergency roadside assistance during Undas
      Paulo Papa, Oct 31, 2024
    • Toyota presents next-gen Tamaraw to PBBM
      Toyota presents next-gen Tamaraw to PBBM
      Ruben Manahan IV, Oct 30, 2024
    • Toyota PH revives pre-Undas initiative
      Toyota PH revives pre-Undas initiative
      Paulo Papa, Oct 28, 2024
    • All-new Toyota Camry reaches Thailand, is PH next in line?
      All-new Toyota Camry reaches Thailand, is PH next in line?
      Paulo Papa, Oct 11, 2024
    • Toyota GR GT Cup PH winners head to Malaysia for Asia Finals
      Toyota GR GT Cup PH winners head to Malaysia for Asia Finals
      Paulo Papa, Oct 09, 2024

    Compare

    You can add 3 variants maximum*