Kevin Purdy, Vice President, Toyota Motor North America

Kevin Purdy, Vice President, Toyota Motor North America

Professional Summary: Kevin Purdy is vice president of Builders for Toyota Motor North America, overseeing Manufacturing, R&D, and Supply Chain Management for Vehicles and Parts. Purdy strives to provide innovative solutions that create efficiencies, productivity, and cost savings to his customers. Focus areas currently in progress across North America are (IIoT/Factory of the Future,  SAP Vehicle Management System, SAP IBP, R&D Virtual Prototypes/Design Efficiencies, enhancing Parts Supply Chain, and Plant Startups/Expansions for Major/Minor Model Changes.    

History: Purdy joined Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in 1988 after 4 years with General Motors in Flint, Michigan. He previously served as chief technology officer for Toyota Manufacturing and R&D, including the start of production for all the Automotive and Powertrain Plants across North America. Purdy led and completed the new 100-acre Toyota North America Headquarters campus in Plano, Texas that consolidated 6500 employees from California and Kentucky. This included consolidating Data Centers  within a level 4 secure co-location facility and included the migration of 400+ applications. Purdy also served as general manager of Toyota R&D responsible for CAD/CAE, and Engineering while leading the startup of the new Toyota R&D Headquarters in York, MI. This assignment also included the merger of the Engineering and Manufacturing companies and processes. 

Education: Purdy holds a degree in Computer Science from the Kentucky College of Technology, and attended the Wharton School for Executive Leadership in Philadelphia, PA.

Accolades/Awards: He was honored with the Community Volunteer Star at Toyota serving as a Special Olympic Basketball Coach. Kevin’s biggest achievement was serving as Youth Leader at Christ Community Church in Kentucky and Oakwood Baptist in Michigan. Purdy created and is leading a Leadership series across North America to improve the capabilities of team members and management at all levels from office to plant. He created and presented Gender Diversity Leadership for Toyota Europe.  Purdy also mentors a diverse group of Toyota and Non-Toyota members across the globe.   

Memberships: Purdy serves on multiple Boards where he promotes Toyota Way best practices and guidance. SAP Automotive Advisory Board and AT&T  Manufacturing Transportation and Consumer Package Goods Advisory Council (MTAC).