Toyota Shuffles NA Management Team

The American division of Japanese carmaker Toyota announced today a series of appointments and promotions within its ranks, as well as the creation of new positions within the group. Most changes target the communications and marketing branches of the division.

Bill Fay, former group vice president for sales administration, has been named to succeed Randy Pflughaupt and take charge of the company's marketing activities. Pflughaupt will take Fay's place at the helm of sales administration.

Jim Colon was appointed vice president, Toyota product communications, a newly created position which will put Colon in charge with "creating, gathering, and managing information and promotion initiatives for Toyota brand vehicles."

Jeff Bracken, former Los Angeles Region general manager, has been promoted to vice president, sales, and will replace Colon. He in turn will be replaced as general manager, Los Angeles Region by Kevin Cour, former general manager, New York Region.

The New York Region will from now on be coordinated by Alec Hagey, who up until now was in charge of Toyota's operations in the Denver Region. His place will be taken by Chris Schultz, formerly assistant general manager, Chicago Region.

According to the carmaker, the appointments will take effect immediately.

Last week, Toyota also announced the appointment of new members to the North American Quality Advisory Panel, the entity created by Akio Toyoda as a response to the recalls problems of the beginning of the year.