Toyota appoints British executives to senior roles in its European and UK manufacturing operations
Toyota Motor Europe today announced the appointment of senior British executives to new leadership roles in its European and British manufacturing operations.
The changes will see Marvin Cooke, Managing Director of Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK), moving to the role of Senior Vice President, Manufacturing, Toyota Motor Europe. In his new position, effective from 1 January 2020, Cooke will be responsible for Logistics, Toyota Production System, Production Control functions and head Toyota’s European Manufacturing Companies.
In his three years as TMUK Managing Director, Cooke has led the company through key developments that have seen it successfully launch production of the new Toyota Corolla and improve business competitiveness. Commenting on his new appointment, he said: “It’s been a real privilege to be part of TMUK’s progress as we successfully upgraded our operations to produce the new Corolla, our first model to be built on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, and to meet the increasing customer demand for our world-leading hybrid-electric vehicles. Having the support of such a skilled and dedicated workforce made the job all the more rewarding.”
“I look forward to being able to draw on the significant experience of being part of TMUK for 28 years in my new role. As we enter a period of important and exciting transformation for the automotive industry, I will be working with Toyota manufacturing businesses across Europe in their drive to constantly improve competitiveness and deliver ever-better products.”
Jim Crosbie will be the new Managing Director of TMUK, again effective from 1 January 2020. Crosbie is currently the company’s Deputy Managing Director and has been with the company for 18 years. Crosbie has played a central role in strengthening Toyota’s manufacturing activities, specifically as head of its engine plant in Deeside, North Wales.
He said: “TMUK has a proud history. Established as Toyota’s first manufacturing business in Europe 30 years ago it continues to make an important contribution to the regional business through vehicle and engine production with a constant focus on quality and competitiveness. The good work already done and the commitment and talents of our UK workforce will be of immense value to me in my new role as together we build a sustainable future for the company.”
Tim Freeman, currently TMUK’s Director for Production Support, will replace Crosbie as Deputy Managing Director, with specific responsibility for the engine plant, corporate affairs and production control. Tim has many years’ experience in the automotive industry and joined TMUK in 2003. He added: “I am delighted to take on the role of Deputy Managing Director of TMUK, and together with all our members at our engine and vehicle plant, we are focused on maximising efforts to maintain and enhance our competitiveness and capabilities.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Julie Langley on 01332 283611 or Chris Barrow on 01332 283609, Toyota Manufacturing UK
Note to Editors
Toyota Manufacturing UK produces Corolla Hatchback and Corolla Touring Sport models at its vehicle manufacturing plant at Burnaston, Derbyshire, and petrol and hybrid engines at its engine manufacturing plant at Deeside, North Wales. In 2018, TMUK produced 129,070 vehicles, 345,855 engines for export and local assembly at plants across the world. To date, Toyota has invested over £2.75 billion into its UK manufacturing operations and currently employs over 3000 members.
