Who was the CEO of Toyota during the 2010 recall crisis?

Akio Toyoda was Toyota’s CEO during the 2010 recall crisis.

Toyoda became Toyota’s president and chief executive in June 2009, succeeding Katsuaki Watanabe, who became vice chairman. That timing placed Toyoda at the company’s helm when recalls involving unintended acceleration expanded into a global quality and safety crisis.

Toyota recalled millions of vehicles over problems involving floor mats, accelerator pedals, and braking behavior in some hybrid models. In February 2010, Toyoda testified before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and apologized for the company’s failures. His appearance made him the most recognizable executive associated with Toyota’s response.

A common mix-up is Katsuaki Watanabe: he had been Toyota’s president and CEO immediately before Toyoda, but was vice chairman during the 2010 crisis. Fujio Cho was an earlier president and chairman, while Shoichiro Toyoda was the company’s honorary chairman and a member of its founding family.