Kiichiro Toyoda

He was a Japanese entrepreneur and the son of Toyoda Loom Works founder Sakichi Toyoda. His decision to take Toyoda Loom Works into automobile manufacturing would create what would eventually become Toyota Motor Corporation, the world's largest automobile manufacturer.

The descendants of Sakichi Toyoda who established Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, have long dominated the upper management of Toyota Motors, which was incorporated in 1937.

Kiichiro Toyoda, who would become the president of Toyota between 1941 and 1950; His son, Shoichiro Toyoda, was born in Nagoya on February 17, 1925.

In due course, Shoichiro Toyoda became president of the company between 1982 and 1992. His 54-year-old son, Akio Toyoda, was the chief contender for the office of president when Katsuaki Watanabe relinquished that post to become Chairman, and the expectation was confirmed in 2009.

Kiichiro Toyoda made the decision for Toyoda Loom Works to branch into automobiles, considered a risky business at the time. Shortly before Sakichi Toyoda died, he encouraged his son to follow his dream and pursue automobile manufacturing — Kiichiro created what eventually became Toyota Motor Corporation.

He resigned from the company in 1950 due to flagging sales and profitability, passing away four years later. In 1957, his cousin and confidant Eiji Toyoda, became head of Toyota Motor Corporation, overseeing its successful expansion worldwide and the launch of Japan's most prominent luxury vehicle brand, Lexus.

Source: Wikipedia