It is with mixed emotion that I share with you the upcoming retirement of Jeff Rufener, TMH President and CEO on December 31, 2021. Jeff joined Toyota 10 years ago as TMHU’s president. In his tenure with Toyota, he led the company through the successful relocation of TMHU’s headquarters from Irvine, California to Columbus, Indiana, the acquisition of Hoist Material Handling, the integration of TMHU and TIEM to become Toyota Material Handling, Inc., and now this fall, the largest new product introduction in company history. He did this all while helping Toyota achieve record sales and market share. In addition to his many accomplishments, he has been an exemplary role model and leader, one who leads by way of Toyota’s core values. The culture of leadership he has instilled in our organization will be his legacy that serves us well beyond his retirement. We are extremely appreciative of all of Jeff’s contributions to Toyota, and the material handling industry for over 40 years and wish him good health and happiness as he begins this new chapter in life. Please join me in thanking Jeff for his strong leadership over the years. With this in mind, it is with great excitement that I share with you the appointment of Bill Finerty to TMH President and CEO, effective January 1, 2022. Bill joined Toyota in 2016, leading the sales and dealer development operations for TMH. His combined experience during his career with Caterpillar, Inc. and Toyota will help lead us toward our Vision 2025 and beyond. I am also pleased to announce the promotion of Jaksa Pejnovic to TMH Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Jaksa joined Toyota in 2013 as a member of our finance team, and since then has had increased responsibility, and is currently serving as Director of Finance, Pricing and Strategic Planning. Additional details regarding the future organizational structure of TMH will be announced at Toyota Week in early November. Our ability to “win with people” gives us the opportunity to leverage the strengths of our talented leaders and capitalize on the growth opportunities we have upon us. I have high confidence in Bill and the leadership team to take TMH, and our dealers and customers to new heights! Thank you in advance to every Toyota Dealer for your ongoing support during the transition of our TMH leadership team. Additional details concerning Jeff Rufener’s retirement will be announced during Toyota Week. ONE TOYOTA! Brett Wood, TMHNA President & CEO
Jeff Rufener Announces His Retirement
