James named president of Toyota plant in Kentucky

In an organizational move providing more regional autonomy to Toyota’s North American manufacturing operations, the company is making appointments resulting in increased local leadership at its plants.

“These changes allow us to move faster and more efficiently in key decision-making,” said Tetsuo Agata, president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA). “This is a natural progression for a global company, and I am pleased we are designating more responsibility to a seasoned group of Toyota veterans.”

The appointments include Wil James as president of Toyota's Kentucky plant. James worked at TMMK from 1987 to 2006 holding the position as vice president of manufacturing before moving to TABC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota in Long Beach, Calif., where he served as president. James' most recent position was VP of manufacturing at Toyota's Indiana plant. James will be responsible for day-to-day manufacturing activities at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), the company's largest plant in North America.

Meanwhile, Steve St. Angelo will serve as chairman at TMMK and will focus on his role as the chief quality officer for Toyota in North America as well as executive vice president at Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America Inc. As of August 1, St. Angelo will also serve as chairman to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi Inc. (TMMMS).

TMMK is Toyota’s largest manufacturing facility in North America employing about 6,600 full-time team members. The Georgetown, Ky., plant represents a $5.3 billion investment and produces the Camry, Camry Hybrid and Avalon sedans and the Venza crossover vehicle.

Wil James	Steve St. Angelo