New Government Affairs Role At Toyota
Toyota (GB) PLC has created a new Government and Corporate Affairs function to be headed by Michael Hawes. The new position is a response to the challenges facing the industry from UK and EU legislation and the increasingly demanding corporate responsibilities of the company.
Michael joins Toyota from Keene Public Affairs Consultants, for which he worked for over five years, becoming a Director of the company in 1998. A former civil servant at the Departments of Environment and Transport, Michael also has relevant experience of the sector from time spent working for a transport consultancy in the early nineties.
Taking up his new role in February, Michael is responsible for Toyota’s Government and Corporate Relations in the UK, keeping the company abreast of political and commercial developments whilst maintaining the company’s positive corporate profile. He will help the company respond to the significant issues affecting the industry, most notably the impact of increasingly stringent environmental regulations and the ongoing review of how cars are distributed and sold in the UK.
Michael commented: “After a number of years in consultancy, I was looking for an opportunity to build on my Government affairs experience by working in a corporate environment. Toyota has offered me the chance to fulfil that ambition by working for a blue chip company in an exciting sector. There is a lot happening in the industry and I am looking forward to the challenge.”
Michael will report to Commercial Director, Mike Moran, who commented: “We are delighted that Michael has joined us at what is a challenging time for the industry. I am sure his advice and assistance will help Toyota respond positively to the issues and enable the company to continue its growth in the UK.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
- Established in 1937, Toyota Motor Corporation is the world’s third largest automobile manufacturer. Toyota vehicles are marketed in 160 countries through a network of more than 160 importers and 5,400 dealerships. Toyota operates 55 plants in 25 countries and employs over 184,000 people on a consolidated worldwide basis.
- Toyota vehicles are distributed in the UK by Toyota (GB) PLC, currently based in Redhill but soon to move to Burgh Heath in Surrey. Employing nearly 500 people, Toyota (GB) PLC is also responsible for product marketing, fleet sales, customer services and financial services.
- Toyota (GB) PLC’s Government and Corporate Affairs was formerly managed by Kevin Perlmutter of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Europe (TMME), London Office.
