Corporate Toyota’s CALTY Design Research Announces Executive Changes

CALTY Design Research, Toyota’s North American design group with offices in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor, Mich., announced executive changes.

As part of succession planning, and CALTY’s expanding role in bringing innovative product ideas to life, CALTY will be led by two executives, each overseeing a distinct area of CALTY’s design operation.

Kevin Hunter, who has been with CALTY for over 42 years and president for 18 years, is appointed executive design director Toyota North America, CALTY. Hunter will continue to oversee all aspects of CALTY’s Ann Arbor, Mich., design studio focusing on Toyota’s North American product development and production design, working with Toyota’s operations in Japan and North America. He will also serve as an executive advisor to CALTY.

Ian Cartabiano, formerly vice president, Advanced Design, CALTY, is promoted to president, CALTY, and will oversee the Advanced Design Studio in Newport Beach, Calif., working with TMC, for both Toyota and Lexus brand concepts. Cartabiano began his career at CALTY in 1997 and has held several positions including studio chief designer, CALTY, and president and director of design, Toyota Europe Design and Development.

Both Hunter and Cartabiano will report to Simon Humphries, chief branding officer and head of design, TMC.

CALTY has helped launch numerous new vehicles for both Toyota and Lexus and will further expand its role collaborating with Toyota’s R&D function.