Toyota Exec Changes

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Nov. 1, 2024) – After more than 30 years of service, Robert Young, group vice president, Purchasing Supplier Development, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) will retire on March 28, 2025. In his role, Young is responsible for overseeing all vehicle parts and materials, indirect manufacturing procurement and supplier development, and preparation for TMNA.

“Bob has been instrumental in maintaining the world-class reputation of our Purchasing group and continues to ensure our product development and manufacturing operations are set up for success and prepared for the future,” said Chris Nielsen, executive vice president, Product Support and Chief Quality Officer.  “We’re thankful for his dedication to Toyota, our suppliers and his community and wish him well in his upcoming retirement.”

Bob joined Toyota in 1995 and has served in a number of roles in the Purchasing division, including several buying and department general manager roles. He currently serves on the Boards of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) and Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit economic development organization committed to growing the Ann Arbor region’s economy.

Ryan Grimm will succeed Young as group vice president, Purchasing Supplier Development as of Dec. 2, 2024, reporting to Nielsen. Grimm is currently vice president of Parts & Materials Procurement in Purchasing Supplier Development at TMNA. Prior to his current role, Grimm was on assignment at Plano HQ and held responsibilities in OneTech and Part Supply Chain Operations. Grimm joined Toyota in 1998 as a Buyer in Purchasing and has spent 26 years in various functions at TMNA including three years at Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in Toyota City, Japan.