Toyota Overhauls Management, Structure

President Akio Toyoda has made the broadest changes to Toyota Motor Corp.'s executive ranks, board and operating structure since he took the top job in mid-2009.

Takeshi Uchiyamada, who headed development of the Prius hybrid, becomes chairman. He succeeds Fujio Cho. Three executive vice presidents, five senior managing officers and nine managing officers also will retire.

Toyota also named three outside board members the first in its 76-year history.

When the changes take effect in June, all but two board members will have joined the top echelon since Toyoda took charge.

Toyota has divided its business into four groups: developed countries; emerging markets; Lexus International; and powertrain. The company says the new structure aims to speed decision-making and clarify operations and earnings responsibilities.

Toyota split its global operations into eight regions, each with its own CEO responsible for sales and production. Didier Leroy, head of European operations, will be that region's chief.

Toyoda says the change reflects the company's strategy of giving more responsibility to local managers. Half of the regional CEOs are non-Japanese.