Toyota South Africa Motors has appointed Abey Kgotle, a former executive director at Mercedes-Benz South Africa, as vice president of corporate affairs, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the automotive, mining, manufacturing and public sectors to the company’s senior leadership team.

Kgotle will take up the position on Sept. 1, 2026, replacing Suben Moodley, who previously served as senior vice president for corporate services.

In his new role, Kgotle will oversee Toyota South Africa Motors’ engagement with government, business, employees and other stakeholders. He will also provide leadership on governance, policy engagement, compliance and the company’s corporate reputation.

The appointment comes as Toyota South Africa Motors looks to draw on Kgotle’s experience in the automotive industry and his background in managing relationships with employees, government and other stakeholders.

The company’s board said his experience across the automotive and mining sectors would support Toyota South Africa Motors as it continues to build its relationships with stakeholders and carry out its role as a corporate citizen and mobility provider.

“We’re delighted to announce that Abey Kgotle joins Toyota South Africa Motors as Vice President: Corporate Affairs, effective September 1, 2026,” the board said.

“In this role, Abey Kgotle will strengthen the bridge between TSAM, government, society and our broader stakeholder community, providing strategic leadership in our approach to governance, policy engagement, compliance, and reputation management.”

More than 25 years of executive experience

Kgotle brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across automotive, mining, manufacturing and the public sector. He previously served as executive director for human relations and corporate affairs at Mercedes-Benz South Africa. He also held senior executive positions at Lonmin Plc, where he worked in demanding operating and labour environments.

His career has included managing transformation, restructuring, labour issues and negotiations involving multiple stakeholders. He has also worked extensively in corporate governance, labour relations, stakeholder management and executive leadership.

Toyota’s board said that combination of experience was well suited to the corporate affairs role. “He brings more than 25 years of extensive leadership experience across the automotive and mining sectors, including a term as Executive Director: Human Relations & Corporate Affairs within the OEM space,” the board said. “That’s a rare blend of people leadership, governance insight and stakeholder savvy.”

Board experience

Kgotle has also held several board leadership positions in the automotive sector. His previous roles include chairing Mercedes-Benz Financial Services South Africa, Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa and AMEO.

Those positions add to his governance experience as he takes on responsibility for corporate affairs at Toyota South Africa Motors. His work will include engaging with government and other stakeholders while supporting the company’s wider business priorities.

Kgotle has also been recognised for his work in labour relations, governance and high-stakes negotiations. His areas of experience include corporate governance, executive leadership, stakeholder management, labour relations, transformation and crisis leadership.

Kgotle welcomes Toyota appointment

Kgotle said he was looking forward to joining Toyota South Africa Motors and working with the company’s employees and stakeholders.

“I am honoured and excited to be joining the Toyota family,” Kgotle said. “Toyota’s reputation for trust and partnership with its people and stakeholders resonates deeply with everything I have stood for, and I look forward to listening, learning, and contributing to that legacy.”

His appointment takes effect Sept. 1, 2026. Kgotle will bring his experience in automotive leadership, corporate affairs, governance and stakeholder relations to Toyota South Africa Motors as the company’s new vice president of corporate affairs.