Toyota has appointed Michiko Kato to key leadership roles, marking an important moment for the company. She is now the chief investment officer (CIO) of Woven Capital and the CEO of Toyota Invention Partners, becoming the first woman to lead a Toyota-owned subsidiary.
Kato has been with Woven Capital since it started in 2020 and has helped build its investment portfolio. In her new role, she will guide the company’s investment strategy and focus on finding new opportunities in areas like artificial intelligence, mobility, and advanced technology.
Woven Capital is Toyota’s investment arm that supports startups working on future technologies, including smart cities and automation. The company plays a key role in Toyota’s plan to move beyond traditional car manufacturing into new tech-driven areas.
Before joining Woven Capital, Kato worked with global organisations such as Morgan Stanley and the International Finance Corporation. She also served as chief financial officer at a Japanese AI startup, giving her strong experience in both finance and technology.
Along with Kato’s appointment, Mia Panzer has been named chief operating officer (COO) of Woven Capital. She will handle operations and support the company’s growth as it expands its investments.
These changes come as Woven Capital begins a new phase with an $800 million fund aimed at investing in growing technology companies.
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