Richard Balshaw has returned to Toyota GB to take on the new role of director of strategy, business transformation and people.

For the past five years Balshaw had been on secondment to Toyota Financial Services (UK) as development and mobility services director and to KiNTO, the UK arm of Toyota’s international mobility services business, as group vice president.

Balshaw joined Toyota (GB) in 1994 as an after sales area manager and went on to hold general manager positions in lean operations, after sales and fleet and remarketing before promotion to sales director in 2009.

He was subsequently director of Lexus GB, then director, Toyota GB customer services. 

He said: “Having gained valuable experience in my work with TFS and KiNTO during the past five years, I am looking forward to developing a business transformation strategy to ensure Toyota (GB) and the wider Toyota group of companies are best placed to maximise the opportunities that will come as the motor industry goes through a period of unprecedented change and development.

"Our people will be a critical part of that success and I am committed to providing a place of work where individuals can thrive and teams want to come together and collaborate.”

He will work alongside Toyota GB's new president and managing director Scott Thompson (pictured right) to optimise the company's future as the UK's vehicle markets become increasingly electric vehicle led.

Thompson, who took over the post from Agustin Martin on January 1, was previously vice president, mobility, at KINTO, and prior to that headed Lexus in Australia, his home nation. 

Last month Toyota revealed more EVs that will expand its current range, which is dominated by hybrids, to ensure it follows the UK's ambitions and adheres with the ZEV Mandate.