Toyota announces management changes
Toyota Material Handling U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU) announced management changes including the appointment of Joe Cacopardo to national marketing manager and Anne Ewing to national manager of dealer IT operations. “These executives bring a proven track record in their respective fields that will help lead Toyota to new levels of success,” said Jeff Rufener, president of TMHU. “Joe and Anne will be instrumental in pushing forward new marketing and business management initiatives that further enhance the number one selling lift truck brand in North America.”
Cacopardo is responsible for the overall management of TMHU’s nationwide marketing and advertising efforts and for supporting the Toyota brand. Cacopardo will oversee all aspects of marketing including: marketing plans, product launches, digital media, research and third party studies, direct marketing, lead management, public relations, advertising and dealer network tools and communication. With more than 20 years of marketing experience, Cacopardo previously worked for Polaris Industries, Chris Craft Boats, Volvo Trucks and Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Most recently, he held the position of director of marketing for Sea Ray Boats. Cacopardo has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Loyola University in New Orleans, La. and a master’s degree in marketing from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wis. He and his wife Robin have two children: a son, Nick, and a daughter, Kate.
As national manager of dealer IT operations, Ewing will manage the sales, implementation, support, training and system improvements/developments of the Toyota Material Handling standardized dealer business system. She brings more than 23 years of experience working in the equipment dealership industry. Recently, Ewing served as the manager of sales and operations for the U.S. division Dysel Business Software. Her management experience also includes serving as vice president and CFO of Prolift Industrial Equipment, where she oversaw accounting, budgeting, forecasting, information systems, equipment sales, rental, parts sales, and service management and played a pivotal role in helping expand the dealership to more than seven locations. Ewing is a certified public account and earned her bachelor of science in business administration degree in accounting from the University of Louisville in Louisville, Ky. She and her husband Randy have three grown children.