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CALTY Design Research Announces New Leadership To Drive Innovation For Toyota And Lexus Brands
CALTY Design Research, Toyota's North American design group, has announced leadership changes to enhance innovation for the Toyota and Lexus brands. Kevin Hunter, with over 42 years at CALTY and 18 years as president, is now the executive design director for Toyota North America. He will continue to manage the Ann Arbor studio, focusing on product development and production design in collaboration with operations in Japan and North America.
Ian Cartabiano has been promoted to president of CALTY. Previously vice president of Advanced Design, he will now oversee the Advanced Design Studio in Newport Beach. Cartabiano started his career at CALTY in 1997 and has held various roles, including studio chief designer and president of Toyota Europe Design and Development. Both executives will report to Simon Humphries, chief branding officer and head of design at TMC.
CALTY is set to expand its role by collaborating more closely with Toyota's R&D department. The design group has been instrumental in launching numerous vehicles for both Toyota and Lexus. Their contributions include the production versions of the 2018 Lexus LC500, 2020 Toyota Supra, 2023 Toyota Tundra, 2024 Toyota Tacoma, and 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Founded in 1973 by Toyota in Southern California, CALTY was the first automotive company to recognise the significance of "California car culture" on national trends. The Newport Beach headquarters focuses on innovative mobility concepts for global markets while a satellite studio in Ann Arbor concentrates on North American production design.
Toyota has been part of North America's cultural landscape for nearly seven decades. The company is dedicated to advancing sustainable mobility through its Toyota and Lexus brands. With over 1,800 dealerships across North America, Toyota employs nearly 64,000 people who have contributed to designing, engineering, and assembling almost 49 million vehicles at its 14 manufacturing plants.
In spring 2025, a new plant in North Carolina will begin producing automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. Currently offering 32 electrified options, Toyota leads with more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker.
CALTY has also designed several concept vehicles showcased at motor shows. These include the Lexus LF-LC (2012), Toyota FT-1 (2014), Concept-i (2017), and Lexus Electrified Sport (2021). These designs highlight CALTY's innovative approach to vehicle aesthetics and functionality.
The recent executive changes are part of succession planning aimed at fostering greater creativity within CALTY's operations. By appointing two leaders to oversee distinct areas of design operations, CALTY aims to bring more innovative product ideas to life.
The leadership transition reflects CALTY's commitment to maintaining its influential role within the automotive industry while adapting to future challenges. This strategic move ensures that both studios continue contributing significantly to Toyota's global success.
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