- TRD, U.S.A. President
David Wilson announces
retirement
- Appointment of Tyler Gibbs to
TRD, U.S.A. President
PLANO,
Texas, Aug. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota
Motor North America (TMNA) today announced executive leadership
changes as David Wilson, group vice
president and president of TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development), will
retire on December 16 after 35 years
with the organization. General Manager Tyler Gibbs will succeed Wilson as president of
TRD, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor North America (TMNA).
During his long-standing career at TRD, Wilson has held many
roles, including design engineer; track support engineer; vice
president, operations and engineering; vice president, production
and strategic planning; vice president, sales, operations and
planning; and vice president, finance, operations and planning.
Wilson was appointed to the position of TRD president in
January 2014, where he has led
Toyota's U.S. motorsports arm for the past 11 years.
"It's been such an honor to be a member of this Team and work
alongside so many dedicated, talented and passionate men and
women," said Wilson. "I'm humbled and grateful for the trust,
support and friendship afforded me throughout my career by my
colleagues at TMNA, the Toyota Motor Corporation, our industry and
team partners and our athletes. But now, I've completed my lap and
I'm proud to hand the keys over to my friend and 'brother in arms',
Tyler Gibbs. I have every confidence
that Tyler and his team will continue to grow and strengthen TRD's
world-class legacy on and off the track."
Wilson played a significant role in many championships and race
wins with Toyota, Lexus and Toyota Gazoo Racing North America
(TGRNA) teams and drivers during his 35-year tenure, including
championships in CART, CORR, Grand-Am, IMSA, Indy Racing League,
MTEG, NASCAR, NHRA, SCORE and USAC. He has also been a part of many
noteworthy victories in iconic races across motorsports, including
wins in the 12 Hours of Sebring, Baja 500 and 1000, Rolex 24 at Daytona,
Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500,
Petit Le Mans, Chili Bowl, and Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
Additionally, Wilson played an integral role with the Toyota and
TRD leadership team that planned, supported and executed the
company's momentous entries into both CART/INDYCAR and NASCAR.
Prior to joining TRD, Wilson was employed by Johnson &
Johnson and was an officer in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne
Division, where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army
Achievement Medal, Parachutist's Badge and the Air Assault Badge.
Wilson earned a mechanical engineering degree from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.
In his new role, Gibbs will be responsible for all TRD
operations and activities in North
America. These include engine engineering, chassis
engineering, manufacturing, administration and operations. He will
oversee all TRD facilities, including the organization's
headquarters and engine operations in Costa Mesa, California, the chassis and team
support operation in Salisbury, North
Carolina, and the GR Garage and Toyota Performance Center
(TPC) in Mooresville, North
Carolina.
"I have big shoes to fill," said Gibbs. "Dave has been the
cornerstone of TRD's growth and culture over the last 35
years. During my 28 years working for Dave, he has given me
countless opportunities to learn and grow, and this is another one
of those opportunities. I'm excited and grateful for the
privilege to work with so many incredible people at TRD and TMNA,
along with our many partners, and together we'll seek to continue
TRD's history of success."
Gibbs joined TRD in 1996 and has held various roles during his
nearly 30-year tenure with the organization. He currently oversees
competition, engineering, commercial and administration activities
at TRD. In addition, he works closely with TMNA and Toyota Racing
as well as with race team relationships and key motorsports
partners.
A Westmont College graduate, Gibbs
began his career with Cosworth Engineering in 1992. He later earned
his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Gibbs will assume his new role as TRD President in late
December.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in
North America for more than 65
years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation
mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than
1,800 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in
North America who have contributed
to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars
and trucks at our 12 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota's 13th
plant in North Carolina will begin
to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With
more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker,
Toyota currently offers 29 electrified options.
For more information about Toyota,
visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com
Media Contacts:
Toyota PR Contact
Sam
Mahoney
980-900-8573
Samuel.Mahoney@toyota.com
Toyota NASCAR PR Contacts:
Pam
Jansen, Golin for Toyota Racing
386-631-2489
pjansen@golin.com
Cody Poor, Golin for Toyota
Racing
323-578-7159
cpoor@golin.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America