Toyota Taps Former CES Official as Tech Lobbyist

Toyota has appointed Jamie Boone as director of technology and innovation policy within its government affairs office in Washington, D.C., effective Sept. 14.

Such positions are becoming increasingly important as carmakers transform into mobility service providers and try to make business cases for emerging technologies. At Toyota, this includes everything from advanced robotics and V2X communications to autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence and flying cars.

Experience Required

Boone’s mix of experience jibes well with the Toyota job.

                                               Jamie Boone

She spent the last six years at the Consumer Technology Assn—the trade group that puts on the influential CES consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, most recently serving as vice president of government affairs. At CTA, Boone led legislative and policy initiatives on automated vehicles, transportation innovation, privacy and emerging technology.

She previously was deputy chief of staff to former U.S. House Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.). Boone also served on the board of directors for the Women's High-Tech Coalition and for the Partners for Automated Vehicle Education. She has a bachelor's degree in political science from Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania.

Boone succeeds Hilary Cain, who left Toyota in April to join the newly formed Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI) trade group as vice president of technology, innovation and mobility policy. Formed earlier this year, AAI merges the former Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and Global Automakers associations, which represent virtually all carmakers operating in the U.S.