Toyota AG: Change in the management

Christian Künstler (36) will take over as Managing Director of Toyota AG in Safenwil as of January 13, 2017. Born in Germany, he has many years of experience in the automotive industry. After successfully completing his business studies, he began his career around eleven years ago at Toyota AG in sales network development before holding various management positions in purchasing, pricing, product management, and marketing and communications. Most recently, as Director of Sales and Marketing, he was responsible for the entire Swiss distribution of the Toyota brand.

Christian Künstler: "I would like to thank you for the trust you have placed in me and I am looking forward to the new challenge. I am convinced that with the innovative model range from Toyota and Lexus in Switzerland in the future. Last year, we were already able to show a hybrid share of over 50 % for Toyota passenger cars, and for Lexus this is even over 90 %."

Philipp Rhomberg (47) was General Manager of Toyota AG for more than ten years. He successfully led the company through challenging times marked by the financial crisis and currency distortions in Europe. On the basis of Toyota's solid dealer network and new successful models, the brand has been able to regain market share in recent years.

Philipp Rhomberg: "When I was given responsibility for the Toyota and Lexus brands in the summer of 2006, I was aware that I was taking over a company with a great and emotional history and huge potential for the future. I am convinced that Christian Künstler will invest just as much commitment and heart and soul as was already exemplified by the founders of Toyota AG. I wish him every success for this great task!"

As of the end of January 2017, Philipp Rhomberg will become a new member of the Executive Board of the Emil Frey Group. He will perform his new duties from the headquarters of Emil Frey AG in Zurich.