Honda appoints Takahiro Hachigo as its new president and CEO

Honda Motor Co has announced the appointment of Takahiro Hachigo, currently the company’s managing officer, as senior managing officer effective April 2015, and president, CEO and representative director in late June 2015.

Takanobu Ito, the current president, COO and Representative Director, will remain on the board and assume the post of director and advisor to Honda Motor. This management succession will occur following the final decision of the Honda Motor Board of Directors after the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting, scheduled for late June 2015.

Hachigo joined Honda in 1982, and began his career in its automobile R&D operations, principally as an engineer in the area of chassis design. Hachigo was in charge of developing the first-generation of U.S.-built Odyssey minivan, which was launched in 1999 primarily for the US market. Hachigo went on to assume

responsibilities as the person-in-charge of developing the second-generation CR-V, Honda’s highly successful compact SUV for the worldwide markets, in 2001.

From April 2004 to March 2006, Hachigo was stationed in the US as senior vice-president of Honda R&D Americas, Inc., where he became actively involved in the local development of Honda and Acura automobiles. In April 2006, Hachigo became Operating Officer of Honda R&D Co and subsequently was promoted to managing officer in April 2007. After retiring from this position in March 2008, he became GM of the Purchasing Division No.2 of Purchasing Operations, Honda Motor, in April and Operating Officer of Honda Motor in June 2008. Hachigo then assumed a role in the area of manufacturing as general manager of Honda’s Suzuka Factory in April 2011. He served as vice-president and director of Honda Motor Europe from April 2012 to March 2013 and also as president and director, Honda R&D Europe (UK) from September 2012 to March 2013. In 2013, Hachigo’s responsibilities shifted to China, becoming vice-president of Honda Motor (China) in April, simultaneously becoming Representative of Development, Purchasing and Production (China), Honda Motor, and vice-president of Honda Motor Technology (China). In April 2014, Hachigo was

promoted to managing officer of Honda Motor, a title he currently holds.

Ito joined Honda in 1978 and began his career in the company’s automobile R&D operations, primarily as a chassis design engineer. Ito was in charge of developing the all-aluminum uni-body frame structure for the highly acclaimed first-generation NSX sports car that went on sale in 1990. In June 2000, he was appointed a member of the Honda Motor Board of Directors, subsequently assuming responsibilities as President and Director of Honda R&D, General Manager of the Suzuka Factory, and most recently, President, Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director of Honda Motor, a title he has held since June 2009.

During the six years of Ito’s leadership, Honda says it was able to actively evolve its global manufacturing structure, notably the establishment of automobile plants in Mexico, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, India and China.

Also under Ito’s leadership, Honda succeeded in solidifying its business foundation by enhancing its product development capabilities — from the hugely popular N-series mini-vehicles, to automobile powertrain

development as represented by the Earth Dreams Technology, to the establishment of product development structures in each of Honda’s global regional operations.

Furthermore, an all-new FCV that Ito has led in an effort to realize a CO2-free automobile, as well as “fun to drive” vehicles including the S660, Civic Type R and NSX models are scheduled to be launched during the fiscal year ending March, 2016. Likewise, Honda’s participation in Formula 1, the pinnacle of automobile racing, and foray into aviation businesses with HondaJet and jet engine will take place during the same period.