Ryan Grimm is replacing Robert Young as group vice-president of purchasing supplier development at Toyota Motor North America

Young, who retires from Toyota after 30 years of service, will finish at the end of March next year. Grimm will segue into the role on December 2 this year. He is currently vice-president of parts and materials procurement in Purchasing Supplier Development at TMNA. In his new role he will be responsible for overseeing all vehicle parts and materials, indirect manufacturing procurement, and supplier development and preparation for the carmaker.

Young has held a number of roles in the Purchasing division during his time at TMNA, including several buying and department general manager roles. He currently serves on the boards of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) and Ann Arbor Spark, a non-profit economic development organisation committed to growing the Ann Arbor region’s economy.

“Bob has been instrumental in maintaining the world-class reputation of our Purchasing group and continues to ensure our product development and manufacturing operations are set up for success and prepared for the future,” said Chris Nielsen, executive vice-president and product support and chief quality officer. “We’re thankful for his dedication to Toyota, our suppliers and his community and wish him well in his upcoming retirement.”

Prior to his current role, Grimm was on assignment at Plano HQ and held responsibilities in OneTech and Part Supply Chain Operations. Grimm has spent 26 years in various functions at TMNA and also spent three years at Toyota in Japan.