DETROIT (Dec. 23, 2010)—Toyota has named Robert Young to head its North American purchasing operation, effective Jan. 3.
The post has been filled temporarily by Atsushi Kume since July 1, when Chris Nielsen, former vice president of purchasing for Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America Inc., was transferred to run Toyota's San Antonio truck plant.
Previously, Young was general manager of vehicle parts and materials purchasing, according to Toyota. In that job, he was responsible for overseeing the purchase of electrical, body, steel and structural commodities for Toyota in North America.
Young joined Toyota in 1995 and moved through several purchasing positions. In 2000, he was promoted to manager of construction, machinery and equipment, according to Toyota.