Christopher Yang Email and Phone Number

Develop and lead Toyota's portfolio of new business ventures in North America, including in the areas of EV charging, battery lifecycle solutions (4R), hydrogen fuel cell, flying mobility, mobility value-chain and IP / tech monetization. Lead the creation of Toyota's electrified ecosystem for our lineup of new BEV and electrified vehicles.

Provide executive leadership and counsel on global legal matters that involve Toyota entities around the globe. Lead strategic ventures and initiatives that enable Toyota's transformation into a mobility company, including our recent investments and ventures with Joby Aviation, Aurora, Uber, Didi, Pony.Ai, Grab, Softbank (Monet), May Mobility and many other industry leaders in the mobility space. Manage global crisis management and compliance matters to ensure global perspective on regional/local matters. Utilize fluent Japanese language and cultural skills to cultivate strong relationships with key executives across our enterprise. Lead and manage our newly formed Mobility Advisory Solutions team, bringing together all of Toyota North America's transactional lawyers into one team to advise on global transactions for Toyota, including in the areas of M&A, venture capital and tech investments, joint ventures, MaaS, autonomous vehicles, joint development and connected technologies.

Develop and lead Toyota's portfolio of new business ventures in North America, including in the areas of EV charging, battery lifecycle solutions (4R), hydrogen fuel cell, flying mobility, mobility value-chain and IP / tech monetization. Lead the creation of Toyota's electrified ecosystem for our lineup of new BEV and electrified vehicles.

Provide strategic counsel and leadership on global, cross-border matters in newly-created role of Deputy General Counsel at Toyota Motor Corporation, the global parent company for Toyota. Work closely with senior executives throughout the Toyota enterprise to provide solutions that enable Toyota’s transformation into a global mobility company. Continue to maintain roles at Toyota Motor North America as Deputy General Counsel.

Promote the understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese-American experience.

Strengthening ties between the U.S. & Japan by contributing and supporting a community of leaders across cultures, sectors and generations.

Captain of the United States National Kendo Team from 2006-2015, and member of the U.S. Team for 18 years (from 1997-2015). Two-time Silver Medalist in the World Kendo Championships (Team) in 2006 and 2009, and Three-time Bronze Medalist in the World Kendo Championships (Team) in 2003, 2012 and 2015. Placed Top 8 in the World Kendo Championships (Individual Competition) in 2000 and 2003. Former United States National Kendo Men's Champion in 2005.Currently 7th Degree Black Belt in Kendo (33 years experience) and Head Coach of the U.S. National Mens Kendo Team. Head Instructor at Plano Kendo Dojo - www.planokendo.com.

Provide executive legal leadership and strategic direction as General Counsel of Toyota Connected North America.

Represented clients in mergers, acquisitions and dispositions in a broad range of industries, including real estate, sports, IT, entertainment and media, insurance, energy and finance. Represented companies and investment banks in connection with initial public offerings, secondary offerings and other equity and debt financing transactions. Special expertise in representing REITs in transactions and providing day-to-day operational counsel. Primary contact for MPG Office Trust, Inc. and various other public and private companies in connection with a wide range of corporate matters, including drafting of contracts with tenants, suppliers and sponsors, preparing of required SEC filings, and providing guidance on corporate governance matters and compliance with SEC and FINRA rules, Section 16 reporting requirements and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Assisted in the preparation of annual and periodic reports, proxy statements, current reports and insider reports for public companies. Experienced in joint venture, partnership, bank financing, real estate and project finance transactions. Participated in partnership, compensation, evaluation, management and policy decisions as member of the firm’s Global Associates Committee.

Led acquisition by GE Japan of a subsidiary of Tokyo Star Bank, Limited. Played significant role in sale of GE Japan’s $6B consumer finance business in Japan (GE Consumer Finance Co.) to Shinsei Bank. Worked extensively with the key business leaders of GE Money Japan on a variety of issues including marketing, employment, strategic planning and compliance with Japanese/U.S. laws and internal GE policies. Created standardized form agreements for use with major vendors and clients. Organized seminars for key GE leaders in areas of compliance, government relations, labor matters and other internal GE quality processes.