He brings with him 30 years of experience in Toyota
Akio Takyema’s stint as the Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor finally comes to an end after seven long years. Replacing Takeyama is Takashi Obata, who officially assumes his new position on 1 February 2022.
Obata has been with Toyota Motor Corporation for 30 years, with vast experience in Product Planning in Sales and Operation Planning divisions, which oversee product planning of Toyota models for the global market.
As for his new role in UMW Toyota Motor, Obata aims to drive the company to innovate and adapt to CASE (Connected cars, Autonomous Driving, Shared and Electric) and carbon neutrality.
Here’s the rest of the press release:
PRESS RELEASE
Cementing his commitment towards achieving mobility for all, Takashi Obata said, “Technology is progressively evolving with the increasing necessity and responsibility to adapt to CASE, as well as carbon neutrality. This is a priority that is aggressively being pursued by Toyota globally and has already started in Malaysia with the recent launch of the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid model. I am honoured to have been entrusted this role to navigate the Toyota business here in Malaysia towards this direction alongside UMW Toyota Motor President Mr. Ravindran K.”
“I would like to thank my predecessor Akio Takeyama for leaving behind an incredible legacy during his time with UMW Toyota Motor. This role will undoubtedly be a challenging one but I am confident that we will be able to achieve many more milestones in the years to come, especially with the strong support from the Government of Malaysia and all our stakeholders,” he added.
With Obata stepping in, Akio Takeyama reflects on his tenure at Toyota. “I have been very blessed to have been given the privilege to serve in Malaysia over two tenures. Throughout my two assignments in Malaysia totaling 12 years, I had two key phrases I always kept in mind: “Reborn” and “Change & Challenge”. My time here in Malaysia was spent in pursuit of ever-better cars and the best customer services while continuously contributing to the Malaysia automobile industry.”
“The years I have spent in this beautiful country were truly wonderful and exciting, filled with so many significant events, milestones, challenges and accomplishments. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the strong support from my team and all our stakeholders,” he said.
Under the leadership of Akio Takeyama, UMW Toyota Motor has achieved many significant milestones including the launch of its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Bukit Raja which is now recognised as the No.1 quality and productivity Toyota plant in Asia; restructuring of the sales and service network throughout Malaysia; the introduction of GAZOO Racing and reclaiming its title as the No.1 non-national automotive brand after six years as well as successfully introducing many new Toyota models.
Having served for more than seven years in the Deputy Chairman role and over 30 years in total at Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio Takeyama has made his mark on the automotive brand and the Malaysian automotive industry to which he credits his team and all UMW Toyota Motor stakeholders.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Takeyama-san for all our achievements during his tenure, the result of which is many happy and satisfied Toyota customers. It has truly been an honour to work alongside him, with his passion and automotive brilliance, he has indeed inspired many and leaves behind an incredible legacy. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. I take this opportunity to congratulate Obata-san on the appointment to Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor. I look forward to working with him as we continue pushing the Toyota brand to newer heights and achieving even more milestones.” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
With newly appointed Deputy Chairman Takashi Obata at its helm, UMW Toyota Motor is set to lead the future of mobility through enriching lives and society, while progressing towards mobility for all.
