Toyota Material Handling North America last week announced the retirement of its president and CEO James Malvaso, effective April 1. TMHNA is comprised of Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A; The Raymond Corp., a provider of electric lift trucks and solutions used in warehouse and distribution environments; and Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg., Toyota's forklift manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ind.

"Jim has been a tremendous leader for The Raymond Corp., TMHNA and the entire material handling industry," said Kazue Sasaki, president of Toyota Material Handling Group. "His leadership capabilities, coupled with his strategic vision, have significantly contributed to the organization's success and market-leading position. Following his formal retirement, I look forward to his continued counsel and support in the capacity of a Toyota Material Handling Group Senior Advisor."

TMHNA appointed Brett Wood to replace Malvaso as its president and CEO. Wood will assume the responsibilities of Malvaso effective April 1. Wood presently serves as executive vice president of TMHNA and as chairman of TMHU. In this role, he has led several strategic TMHNA assignments in sales and marketing and in operations that have accelerated achievement of synergies among the Toyota and Raymond companies.

"Brett's extensive experience in the material handling industry and knowledge of both the Toyota and Raymond companies, have prepared him to be highly successful in his new role," Malvaso said. "I look forward to working with Brett over the next several months to ensure a continued commitment to the established TMHNA strategy and a seamless leadership transition."