Toyota Canada Inc. Announces Executive Changes

TORONTO, ON – December 3, 2015 – Toyota today announced executive changes across its North American operations, effective as of January 1, 2016.

The appointments reflect Toyota’s ongoing efforts to diversify its global leadership team and to continue evolving as a global, customer-focused company. Toyota is also further strengthening regional integration in North America so it can respond more quickly and effectively to its customers’ needs.

Larry Hutchinson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, is appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) and will be the first Canadian to assume this role. Larry will oversee all aspects of sales and marketing in Canada and will be reporting directly to Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America.

Additional executive changes include:

• The appointment of Cyril Dimitris, Director of Lexus and Scion Divisions in Canada to Vice President of Sales reporting to Larry Hutchinson
• The appointment of Jennifer Barron, National Manager of Service Retention to Director of Lexus Division, reporting to Larry Hutchinson

These changes demonstrate Toyota’s commitment to the growth of its business in Canada, better positioning the company for sustainable, long-term growth both in North America and globally.

Executive biographies for Larry Hutchinson, Cyril Dimitris and Jennifer Barron are included below.

Larry Hutchinson

President and Chief Executive Officer

Toyota Canada Inc.

Larry Hutchinson is appointed President and Chief Executive Officer at Toyota Canada Inc., responsible for all aspects of sales and marketing in Canada based out of the head office in Toronto, Ontario. Previous to this role, Larry was Vice President of Sales and Marketing, overseeing Dealer Standards and Representation, Lexus Division, Marketing & Customer Experience Management, Sales & Inventory Planning, Scion Division and Toyota Division teams.

Larry began his career at TCI as an analyst in 1986. He was involved in the launch of Lexus in Canada as a Lexus District Sales Manager and then moved to manage Vehicle Distribution Operations.

Previous roles also include National Manager of Toyota Sales and Marketing and National Manager of Lexus Division.

Larry then assumed the role of Director, overseeing the Product Planning, Customization and Dealer Process groups. He was responsible for a number of key areas, such as: Advanced Product Planning, Product Planning, Distribution, Sales Planning and Customization Development and Marketing. He also managed dealer-related sales processes, such as the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles program.
 

Larry holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Cyril Dimitris

Vice President, Sales

Toyota Canada Inc.

Since 1988, Cyril Dimitris has worked in a number of different areas at Toyota Canada Inc., including Finance and Accounting, Human Resources, Dealer Technology and Business Innovation (e-Business) teams.

Most recently, Cyril was Director of Lexus and Scion Divisions, responsible for all aspects including sales, parts and service and marketing.

Cyril was an integral part of the Lexus brand transformation which has translated into a new and improved appreciation for the brand, year over year sales records and higher dealer and associate engagement levels. Cyril was also heavily involved in the Scion dealer expansion which broadened TCI’s reach in the market, including the launch of the new Scion iM.

Cyril serves on a voluntary basis on the Board of Governors for Roy Thompson Hall and Massey Hall in Toronto. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Economics from the University of Toronto and is a designated CPA, CMA.

Jennifer Barron

Director, Lexus Division

Toyota Canada Inc.

Since joining Toyota Canada Inc. in 1989, Jennifer Barron has held a number of roles across TCI. In fact, Jennifer is no stranger to the Lexus Division and was part of the original team that launched the brand in 1990.

Jennifer has played a key role in the After Sales teams and has held positions as National Manager of Customer Relations and Toyota University and was most recently the National Manager of Service Marketing and Retention.

Jennifer graduated in 1988 from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute with a degree in Office & Administrative Studies.

About Toyota Canada Inc.
 

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles.  Toyota has sold over 4.6 million vehicles in Canada through a national network of 285 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships.  Toyota is dedicated to bringing safety, quality, dependability and reliability in the vehicles Canadians drive and the service they receive.  TCI’s head office is located in Toronto, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax and parts distribution centres in Toronto and Vancouver.  Toyota operates two manufacturing facilities in Canada. Having produced more than six million vehicles, popular Canadian models built at these facilities include Toyota RAV4, Toyota Corolla, Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid.

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