MADISON–Mazda Toyota Manufacturing is undergoing a leadership change in a key position that directly contributes to the overall success of the corporation.

On Thursday, MTM announced that Hironori (Hiro) Kagohashi, a founding member of its Leadership Steering Committee and Executive Vice President, has decided to step down from his role within the corporation after over 30 years with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), including assignments at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana and as General Manager in Toyota’s Global Human Resources Department.

Kagohashi is returning today to Japan to transition into a new role as president and CEO of Chubu Centrair International Airport.

“I want to say thank you very much to everyone at MTM and in our community for the countless memories and the impact they have had on me,” Kagohashi said in his farewell address. “This has been the biggest achievement in my career.”

Before leaving, however, Kagohashi will welcome former MTM vice president and treasurer Masanao Watanabe into the role of executive vice president. Watanabe joined Toyota in 1996 and held roles in accounting and finance at Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), as well as product and cost planning reform at TMC. Most recently, Watanabe served as TMNA group vice president in accounting and finance.

“This is an opportunity to bring what I have learned back to MTM, in this new role,” Watanabe said. “I loved my time at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing and in the Huntsville area, and I am excited to return to both the company and to the community here.”

Watanabe will report to MTM President Mitsunobu Mukaida, who joined MTM in 2024 after founding President Masashi Aihara returned to Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan.

As a joint venture company, MTM offers a unique opportunity for executives from its parent companies, Mazda and Toyota, to serve side-by-side while overseeing operations in Huntsville.