Toyota today announced executive appointments at Calty Design Research, Inc. (CALTY), the North American arm of Toyota's global design network.


The organizational changes and promotions at CALTY, effective April 1, 2007, include the following:


Kevin Hunter, vice president of design and studio operations, is promoted to president of CALTY, replacing Yo Hiruta. This appointment marks the first time an American has served as president of CALTY in its 34 years of operation in the United States. In this role, Hunter will oversee advanced and production design as well as research activities for CALTY, one of Toyota's key research and development functions in North America. Hunter, 47, joined CALTY in 1982, and graduated from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Mich.


Yo Hiruta, president, has been appointed to the new position of chief managing officer of CALTY. In his new role, Hiruta will primarily advise and support the new president.