Takahiro Hachigo, currently Honda’s managing officer (pictured top), will assume the top job of chief executive in June. He replaces current incumbent Takanobu Ito, who has fulfilled the role since 2009.
Hachigo joined Honda in 1982 at its car R&D operations as an chassis design engineer — as did his predecessor Ito, whose career dates back to 1978. Neither of them lists participation in motorcycle operations at any point on their CVs.
Ito will remain on Honda’s board, in a role of “director and adviser”.