Hiroshi Okuda

Hiroshi Okuda was a prominent Japanese automotive executive who left a lasting mark on the global automotive industry. Born in a year that led to his passing at the age of 93, with his death announced on August 11, 2026, he served as the president of Toyota from 1995 to 1999 and subsequently as its chairman from 1999 to 2006. Recognized as an outsider who masterminded Toyota's global footprint, Okuda played a pivotal role in expanding the company's international presence and operational reach. Throughout his esteemed career, he became well known for his strategic vision and leadership during a transformative era for the automotive giant. His legacy endures through the global scale and influence that Toyota established under his executive guidance. Today, the industry remembers his significant contributions to modern manufacturing and corporate leadership.