Toyota Motor North America Announces Executive Changes

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today announced leadership changes at its manufacturing plants in California, Missouri, and Tennessee.

TABC, Inc.
Jim Zehmer, current president of TABC, is retiring June 17, 2024. Zehmer has been with Toyota for 32 years, first as a member of TABC’s finance team and then in various leadership positions, including controller, general manager, manufacturing support and general manager, administration. During Zehmer’s time as president of TABC, the plant has grown its production capabilities and celebrated 50 years of manufacturing.

“Jim has always recognized that the backbone of Toyota is its people, and he has played a pivotal role at TABC, our longest running plant in the United States” said Kevin Voelkel, senior vice president, vehicle plants. “We’re thankful for his dedication to Toyota, the team and his community.”

Oscar Villarreal, president of Toyota Baja California and chairperson TABC, will add the role of TABC interim president to his responsibilities. Villarreal has been with Toyota for more than 20 years in a variety of manufacturing roles in both Mexico and the United States.

Toyota Missouri & Toyota Tennessee
Wes Woods, current president of Toyota Missouri and Toyota Tennessee, is retiring effective June 3, 2024. A 40-year industry veteran, Woods has been with Toyota for more than 22 years and was part of the original leadership team that constructed and launched Toyota Alabama in 2003.

“Wes has made outstanding contributions at Toyota, and his inclusive leadership style has been a model for all of us to follow,” said Norm Bafunno, senior manufacturing executive, TMNA. “Wes always puts team members first with a keen focus on providing stable employment, and we know Todd will continue that commitment into the future”.

Todd Williams will succeed Woods as president of Toyota Missouri and Toyota Tennessee. Most recently, Williams was the plant manager of Toyota Tennessee overseeing all daily operations. During his 25-year career with Toyota, Williams has held several management positions, including group manager, human resources development manager and assembly manager at Toyota Texas. He started his career as an assembly production team member at Toyota Indiana in 1999.