Toyota Automated Logistics Appoints Global Leadership Team

Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) has announced the appointment of three CEOs to lead Toyota Automated Logistics (TAL), its recent global warehouse automation business. The appointments signal a major step forward for TAL, which will formally launch on April 1, 2026, uniting Bastian Solutions, Vanderlande’s Warehousing business, and viastore [1].

Leadership Appointments

• Hitoshi Matsuoka will serve as CEO, Central.
• Thomas Hibinger will serve as CEO, EMEA and APAC.
• Aaron M. Jones will serve as CEO, Americas.

The leadership team was announced on March 3, 2026, and will debut at LogiMAT and MODEX trade shows [3].

Leadership Backgrounds

Hitoshi Matsuoka brings extensive experience within Toyota Industries Corporation, having joined Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, Ltd. In 1990. He served as President of Toyota Automated Logistics North America from 2020 to 2025 and, since 2025, has held the position of Executive Officer at Toyota Industries Corporation and is a board member of Toyota Material Handling Europe [2].

Thomas Hibinger currently serves as the president and CEO of viastore, leading a portfolio of material flow and distribution solutions across more than 3,000 facilities in Europe [2].

Aaron M. Jones is currently the president and CEO of Bastian Solutions, where he has overseen a period of significant growth, quadrupling the company’s revenue. He led the organization through its transition to become a subsidiary of Toyota Automated Logistics Group and oversaw five strategic acquisitions [3].

Driving Forces Behind TAL

The formation of TAL is driven by increasing demand for faster deliveries, higher throughput, order accuracy, and optimal warehouse performance. These demands require strong capabilities in systems integration, software, and automation expertise [1].

“Intralogistics is increasingly complex and requires a partner with deep expertise and a forward-thinking approach,” said Aaron M. Jones [3]. “The launch of TAL supports these needs by drawing on the collective strength of three companies with 285 combined years of logistics experience and a track record of continual innovation.”

TAL at LogiMAT and MODEX

TAL will showcase its integrated solutions at LogiMAT (booth 1J31 in hall 1) and MODEX (booth #B14719), inviting warehouse, fulfillment, and manufacturing leaders to learn more about how seamless integration can help them design and scale their logistics facilities [1].

“Warehouse and fulfillment operations never stop nor are they constrained by time zones or geography,” added Thomas Hibinger [1]. “Aaron and I have the opportunity to combine the talents of TAL’s dedicated team to deliver an exceptional level of responsiveness and service. Our goal is to redefine what is possible with warehouse automation.”