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Toyota Motor North America Announces Retirement Of Senior Executive F. Norman Bafunno, III
F. Norman (Norm) Bafunno, III, a senior manufacturing executive at Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), is set to retire on September 5, 2025. Over his nearly 29-year tenure with Toyota, Bafunno held various leadership roles in manufacturing, focusing on safety, environment, logistics, and engineering. He also managed North American unit plants producing engines, transmissions, hybrid systems, and vehicle parts.
Bafunno's career at Toyota began in 1997 when he joined the startup team at Toyota Indiana as general manager of Production. He later became senior vice president overseeing Production, Manufacturing Planning, Administration, and Quality. In 2010, he made history as the first American president of Toyota Indiana. His leadership extended to serving as vice president of Production Engineering at Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing.
In his recent role as TMNA’s One Toyota North American Competitiveness Officer, Bafunno led initiatives to enhance the region's global competitiveness. He coordinated efforts among executives from R&D, Sales & Marketing, Planning & Finance, and Manufacturing. His strategic guidance was pivotal in selecting the site for Toyota's inaugural battery manufacturing plant in North Carolina.
Bafunno has been an active participant in community and industry organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Indiana Manufacturers Association. He also contributed to the National Foreign Trade Council while serving as an executive advisor to several Business Partnering Groups within Toyota.
Takefumi Shiga, TMNA's executive vice president of Production Engineering and Manufacturing, praised Bafunno’s dedication: "Norm’s unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement has been foundational to our success in North America. We are grateful for Norm’s leadership, vision, and dedication throughout his remarkable career."
Toyota's Commitment to Sustainability
Toyota has been part of North America's cultural landscape for almost 70 years. The company is dedicated to promoting sustainable mobility through its Toyota and Lexus brands. With over 1,800 dealerships across the continent, Toyota employs nearly 64,000 people who have helped design and assemble around 49 million vehicles at its 14 manufacturing plants.
The company's plant in North Carolina began producing automotive batteries for electrified vehicles in 2025. Currently offering 30 electrified options on the market, Toyota leads with more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker.
Bafunno's retirement marks the end of a significant chapter for TMNA but opens new opportunities for continued growth under fresh leadership. His contributions have left a lasting impact on both the company and the industry.
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