Toyota Names Design Chief to Head Lexus

Toyota Motor Corp. has appointed Tokuo Fukuichi, chief officer of the company's global design group, to the additional role of president of its Lexus luxury car unit, effective April 1. He also will join the Toyota board.

Fukuichi, 58, is a vocal advocate of more dramatic vehicle styling, a trend favored by Toyota President Akio Toyoda.

The current head of Lexus, Kiyotaka Ise, will take charge of Toyota R&D on April 1. He will succeed Soichiro Okudaira, who will become chief technical officer for Toyota operations in China, Oceana and Asia Pacific.