Toyota's Sommelier

Toyota’s Shinichi Yasui wears many hats – engineer, sommelier, executive vice president – and all make him a leader to be reckoned with.

- Lisa Smyth

Shinichi Yasui grew up in Aichi prefecture in Japan, the global headquarters of the Toyota Motor Corporation. It’s little wonder then that when he graduated from university in 1988 with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, he joined the company that had been a constant presence all his life.

What is surprising, especially in today’s disruptive and fast-moving world, is that 33 years later, Yasui is still on Toyota’s payroll. After nearly a decade as Chief Engineer for the Core Model range (overseeing the development of the 10th- and 11th-generation Corollas), he is now the Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor North America, Research and Development.

However, Yasui’s mathematical and exacting mind is not solely responsible for his rise through the ranks. A disciplined marathon runner, he realised his other passion for wine and sake could be an outlet to help cultivate business relationships.

Not one to do anything by halves, in 2013 Yasui pursued a qualification as a Wine Expert at night and on weekends from the Japan Sommelier Association. Here, Yasui shares what each of his various passions teaches him about leadership, and how they work together to spur him on to further success.

AS AN ENGINEER…

“As a young man, I was attracted by the logical thinking and mathematical philosophy that underpins engineering. I also enjoy making things – the act of creation. So, I pursued these interests in college and eventually earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.