Katsuaki Watanabe (Toyota)

Katsuaki Watanabe is a former president of Toyota Motor Corporation, serving from 2005 to 2009. He played a pivotal role in guiding the company through challenging times, particularly during the global economic downturn. Watanabe is known for his strong focus on quality and efficiency, emphasizing Toyota's renowned production system. Under his leadership, Toyota continued to expand its global presence and innovate in hybrid technology, exemplified by the success of the Prius. His management style prioritized communication and consensus-building, helping to foster a collaborative corporate culture at Toyota.