Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) is undergoing significant leadership changes in its manufacturing operations, with the retirement of Jim Zehmer, president of TABC, and Wes Woods, president of Toyota Missouri and Toyota Tennessee, and the appointment of Oscar Villarreal as interim president of TABC and Todd Williams as Woods’ successor, marking a pivotal transition in the company’s manufacturing leadership.
Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has unveiled key leadership changes across its manufacturing operations in California, Missouri, and Tennessee.
Jim Zehmer, who has served as president of TABC (Toyota Auto Body California), will retire on June 17, 2024, after an impressive 32-year tenure with Toyota. Zehmer’s journey at Toyota has been marked by significant milestones, from his early days in the finance team to assuming various leadership roles, including controller and general manager. Under his guidance, TABC has witnessed substantial growth in its production capabilities and recently commemorated its 50th year in manufacturing.
Reflecting on Zehmer’s legacy, Kevin Voelkel, senior vice president of vehicle plants, acknowledged his significant impact on TABC, saying:
“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.”
Following Zehmer’s retirement, Oscar Villarreal, currently serving as president of Toyota Baja California and chairperson of TABC, will step into the interim president role at TABC. With over two decades of experience at Toyota across manufacturing roles in Mexico and the United States, Villarreal brings a wealth of expertise to his expanded responsibilities.
In another significant change for the company, Wes Woods, the current president of Toyota Missouri and Toyota Tennessee, will retire effective June 3, 2024. Woods, a seasoned industry veteran with 40 years of experience, has been instrumental in shaping Toyota’s manufacturing landscape over his 22-year tenure. His leadership was pivotal in the construction and launch of Toyota Alabama in 2003. Todd Williams will succeed Woods as president of Toyota Missouri and Toyota Tennessee.
Norm Bafunno, senior manufacturing executive at TMNA, commented, saying:
“Wes has made outstanding contributions at Toyota, and his inclusive leadership style has been a model for all of us to follow.
“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.”
Williams, formerly the plant manager of Toyota Tennessee, brings 25 years of Toyota experience to his new role, with a track record of success in various management positions across different Toyota plants. His journey at Toyota began as an assembly production team member at Toyota Indiana in 1999, reflecting a remarkable career progression within the company.
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