Janette Hostettler, group vice president at Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and vice president of Manufacturing at Toyota Kentucky, will retire on September 15, 2025. Hostettler has overseen vehicle manufacturing and organizational management at Toyota’s largest manufacturing facility.
Hostettler started her career with Toyota in 2000 at the Indiana plant, working in Quality. She later held several leadership roles in manufacturing, paint, plastics, plant engineering, and pilot production. In 2017, she was promoted to general manager and led final assembly for models including Sienna, Highlander, and Sequoia.
In 2018, Hostettler became senior vice president of manufacturing at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing in Huntsville, Alabama. There she managed the launch of the Mazda CX-50 and Corolla Cross production systems. Her responsibilities included overseeing start of production processes as well as quality control and hiring and training approximately 4,000 team members.
She was named group vice president at TMNA and vice president of Manufacturing for Toyota Kentucky in 2023.
Hostettler’s achievements include induction into the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame in 2023. She was also recognized as a STEP Ahead honoree by The Manufacturing Institute in 2016 and listed among Women Worth Watching.
Her community involvement includes serving on nonprofit boards such as the Society of Women Engineers, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Women Inspiring Women program, Evansville High School Engineering Development Program, the Kentucky Chamber board, and The Manufacturing Institute board.
Toyota employs about 64,000 people across North America who have contributed to nearly 49 million vehicles built at its 14 plants. In early 2025, its North Carolina facility began producing automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. The company currently offers thirty electrified vehicle options—more than any other automaker—and continues to expand its presence through over 1,800 dealerships across the continent. For further information about Toyota’s operations or recent news releases visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
