Subaru announces changes at the top

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Subaru of America Inc. (SOA) announced President and CEO Thomas Doll will step down from the day-to-day management of the company, effective April 1. At that time, Doll will assume the role of corporate advisor, based at the carmaker’s Camden headquarters.

The company credited Doll’s leadership to a time of unprecedented growth.

“The Subaru brand and Subaru of America hold a special place in my heart. Since the day I arrived here 41 years ago, we have worked tirelessly to make Subaru more than a car company,” said Doll in a March 3 press release announcing the move. “The growth of this company has been nothing if not spectacular, but I am most proud of the good we have done with our Love Promise programs and the lives we impacted. It is the employees of Subaru of America, the great friendships we have developed and our amazing customers and retailers who are the secret of our success.”

In a statement, Subaru Corp. (SBR) CEO Tomomi Nakamura expressed his gratitude for Doll’s contributions over the past 40-plus years, adding that Doll’s leadership and creation of Love Promise achieved that mission of elevating Subaru to more than a car company.

Love Promise is the company’s guiding vision to show love and respect to everyone and support communities nationwide.

Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $270 million to causes Subaru cares about while employees have logged nearly 78,000 volunteer hours.

“I fondly remember the days we spent working together at Subaru of America from 2014 to 2017,” said Nakamura. “He is truly a great contributor. I am deeply grateful for his long-time dedication that has made Subaru what we are today. His commitment and friendship have helped to grow Subaru of America into a very strong position in the U.S. market and has created a strong and valued brand.”

Taking the helm at the Subaru of America is Tadashi “Tady” Yoshida, who was promoted from executive vice president to chairman and CEO. Yoshida has been with SBR for 34 years, holding roles in overseas sales and marketing, global marketing and the customer service divisions.

Jeffrey Walters was also elevated from senior vice president of sales to president and chief operating officer for SOA. He has more than 30 years of experience with the company.

“We are headed into an exciting new time of growth for the industry, and I know we have an incredibly strong team in place to guide Subaru of America forward,” said Doll.