Ericksen to Head Toyota Product Planning in N. America

Toyota Motor Corp. has named Cooper Ericksen to become group vice president of product planning and strategy for the carmaker’s North American operations, effective Aug. 5.

He succeeds Andrew Coetzee, who is retiring after 31 years with Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). Coetzee was Toyota’s first product planning chief in North America, a position he’s held since 2012.

Ericksen joined Toyota in 1991. He currently is vice president for cross carlines, alternative fuels and Lexus product planning. In previous posts, he served as vice president of marketing for Lexus, and managed vehicle marketing and communications for TMNA.

In his new position, Ericksen will lead product planning, pricing and advanced product strategy for TMNA’s Lexus and Toyota brands. He will report to Bob Carter, TMNA’s executive vice president of sales.