Big news from the country’s top carmaker: Toyota Motor Philippines president Masando Hashimoto will be reassigned to a new post effective January 1, 2027. The announcement comes as part of a major reshuffle across Toyota’s executive, senior-professional, and senior-management employees.
Hashimoto will become the Asia Region chief executive officer under Toyota Motor Asia. He is one of many executives taking new posts as CEOs of their respective regions, including North America and China. This move is “guided by the philosophy of management based on products and regions.”
PHOTO BY Carlo Chungunco
The company’s official statement reads: “The next generation of leaders will lead Toyota’s transformation into a mobility company in each region, while the Business Planning & Operation functions will bring together expertise and strengths across regions to support regional initiatives. This approach aims to achieve the best outcomes for each region while strengthening Toyota’s overall competitiveness.”
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Hashimoto started his tenure in February 2024, succeeding then-president Atsuhiro Okamoto. At the age of 46, Hashimoto became the youngest-ever president of Toyota Motor Philippines.
PHOTO BY Carlo Chungunco
In the nearly three years of leading the Philippines’ number one car brand, Hashimoto was most visible participating in motorsports, specifically the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup. In 2025, he joined the Vios OMR—wherein he also walked away unscathed from a terrifying crash—and in 2026, the Tamaraw OMR.
During Hashimoto’s time in the Philippines, Toyota also launched multiple big models: the all-new RAV4 HEV, all-new Land Cruiser FJ, and all-new Hilux. In the same period, Toyota was also able to push its electrification efforts further, bringing in two fully electric models in the bZ4X and Urban Cruiser.
Before his term ends, Hashimoto will have overseen the opening of Rookie Racing Garage Manila.
PHOTO BY Charles Banaag
No word yet on who will be replacing Hashimoto at the helm of Toyota Motor Philippines. We’ve also yet to receive an official statement from the now-outgoing president, so stay tuned for further updates.