CALTY Design Research, Toyota’s North American design group with locations in Newport Beach, California, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, has announced executive changes effective today. This move is part of CALTY’s succession planning and its expanding role in developing innovative product ideas for Toyota and Lexus brands.
Kevin Hunter, who has been with CALTY for over 42 years and served as president for 18 years, has been appointed as the executive design director for Toyota North America at CALTY. He will continue to oversee all aspects of the Ann Arbor studio, focusing on North American product development and production design while working with operations in Japan and North America. Additionally, he will serve as an executive advisor to CALTY.
Ian Cartabiano has been promoted to president of CALTY from his previous role as vice president of Advanced Design. He will now oversee the Advanced Design Studio in Newport Beach, working with TMC on concepts for both Toyota and Lexus brands. Cartabiano began his career at CALTY in 1997 and has held several positions including studio chief designer at CALTY and president and director of design at Toyota Europe Design and Development.
Both Hunter and Cartabiano will report to Simon Humphries, chief branding officer and head of design at TMC.
CALTY has played a significant role in launching new vehicles for both Toyota and Lexus. The organization aims to further expand its collaboration with Toyota’s R&D function.
Founded in 1973 by Toyota in Southern California, CALTY was the first automotive company to recognize the importance of “California car culture.” Recently credited with contributions to designs like the 2018 Lexus LC500 and 2020 Toyota Supra among others, CALTY also creates motor show concept vehicles such as the 2012 Lexus LF-LC.
Toyota has been a key player in North America’s cultural fabric for nearly seven decades. It is committed to advancing sustainable mobility through its brands along with over 1,800 dealerships. Employing nearly 64,000 people across North America who have contributed to designing almost 49 million cars at its manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, a plant in North Carolina will begin manufacturing batteries for electrified vehicles.
For more information about Toyota visit their website www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
