In a surprising move aimed at restructuring its leadership for a new era of mobility, Toyota Motor Corporation announced on February 6, 2026, that Kenta Kon will assume the role of President and CEO, effective April 1, 2026.
Current President Koji Sato will transition to the role of Vice Chairman after just three years at the helm. This strategic reshuffle places a leader with a unique blend of financial acumen and software development experience at the top of the world’s largest automaker. Here is a detailed look at Kenta Kon’s biography, career, and vision for Toyota.
Who is Kenta Kon? (Profile & Education)
Kenta Kon is a 57-year-old veteran executive (as of the 2026 appointment) known for his financial expertise and recent leadership in Toyota’s software subsidiary.
- Name: Kenta Kon
- Born: August 2, 1968
- Birthplace: Niigata Prefecture, Japan
- Education: Bachelor of Economics, Tohoku University (Graduated 1991)
Kon joined Toyota in 1991 immediately after graduating from university. While he spent much of his career in the accounting division, his recent roles have placed him at the intersection of finance and advanced automotive technology.
Career Highlights: From CFO to Woven by Toyota
Kon’s path to the presidency differs significantly from traditional engineering-led promotions. He is a financial strategist who has deeply immersed himself in Toyota’s software transformation.
- The Financial Expert: Kon climbed the ranks within Toyota’s accounting division, becoming General Manager of Accounting in 2017. He played a crucial role in maintaining Toyota’s robust financial health.
- CFO Tenure: He was appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2020, succeeding the veteran Koji Kobayashi. During this time, he navigated the company through global supply chain crises and shifting market dynamics.
- Software Leadership (Woven by Toyota): In a strategic detour, Kon stepped down as Toyota’s Executive Vice President in 2023 to serve as CFO and Representative Director at Woven by Toyota, the subsidiary responsible for developing the “Arene” automotive OS and autonomous driving technology. This role gave him hands-on experience with “Software Defined Vehicles” (SDVs).
- Return to HQ: He returned to Toyota Motor Corp. as an Operating Officer in January 2025, taking charge of the “Mobility 3.0 Office” before being named the next CEO.
Why Kenta Kon? The Strategy Behind the Appointment
The leadership change is described not as a dismissal of Koji Sato, but as a “formation change” to tackle Toyota’s evolving challenges.
1. Koji Sato’s New Role: Current President Koji Sato will become Vice Chairman. This allows him to focus on his heavy responsibilities as Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and Vice Chair of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), representing the industry on a global and political stage.
2. Kon’s Mission: Profitability & Agility: With rising geopolitical risks (such as US tariffs) and fierce competition in the EV sector, Toyota needs to fortify its profitability.
- Break-even Point: At the press conference, Kon emphasized the need to “lower the break-even point” to ensure Toyota remains profitable even in market downturns.
- Agile Development: Drawing from his time at Woven, Kon aims to instill an “agile” development culture within Toyota, moving away from legacy thinking to speed up software integration.
Net Worth and Executive Compensation
According to financial reports from the fiscal year ending March 2023, Kenta Kon’s executive compensation was recorded as 120 million JPY (approx. $800,000 USD at historical exchange rates, though rates fluctuate).
As he ascends to the role of President and CEO, this figure is expected to increase significantly, aligning with global standards for top automotive executives, likely including substantial performance-based stock options.
Conclusion
Kenta Kon represents a hybrid leadership style: the discipline of a traditional CFO combined with the forward-thinking mindset of a tech executive. As Toyota navigates the transition to electrification and software-defined mobility, Kon’s ability to balance the books while pushing for technological agility will be the key to his tenure.
Press Conference on 6 February 2026
