Toyota's main strategist for North America is planning to step down in May.

In a series of leadership changes aimed at better positioning the company for the future, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has announced several key appointments and the retirement of one of its top executives.

Christopher Reynolds, the EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at TMNA, will be retiring on May 30. Reynolds, who has been with Toyota since 2007, will transition to a senior advisor role at Toyota from April 1. His retirement is part of a strategic shift within the company.

Toyota Motor Corp. has nominated Reynolds for its board of directors and assigned him to its audit and supervisory committee, pending shareholder approval during the automaker's general meeting in June.

Taking over Reynolds' leadership roles in global compliance and global risk functions effective April 1 will be Chris Yang, the group VP of enterprise strategy and solutions and president and CEO of Toyota Connected North America. Yang will continue in his current roles alongside his new responsibilities.

Hiroshi Nanbu has been named president, business planning and operation, while Yoichi Miyazaka will take on the roles of EVP, CFO, and chief competitive officer.

In the digital information and communication group, Keiji Yamamoto has been named chief information and security officer, and Toshiyuki Hibi has been named deputy chief officer. Hideharu Matsuoka has also been appointed as deputy chief officer in the same group.

Chika Kako has been named EVP, advanced R&D and engineering company; senior general manager, material technology field; and general manager, Higashifuji technical center.

Toyota Motor North America has not yet announced Reynolds' successor as EVP and Chief Strategy Officer. However, Ted Ogawa, president of TMNA, praised Reynolds' success track record and expressed gratitude for his contributions to the company.

These changes mark a significant shift in Toyota's leadership, as the company continues to adapt and evolve in the rapidly changing automotive industry.