Arvinder Singh Reel is the managing director of Toyota Kenya and CEO of Cooperation for Africa and Overseas (CFAO) Motors Limited Kenya.
Toyota Kenya appointed Reel as the managing director in June 2017 making him the first Kenyan to hold such a position at the leading auto dealer.
The move followed the exit of Japanese Sachio Yotsukura, who has been with the company for the last four and a half years.
Reel has served in Toyota for over two decades.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Background
Reel, a reputable corporate man, has been part of the Toyota family for over 25 years having served in various capacities.
Other than serving as the Toyota Kenya MD, he is also the CEO of CFAO Automotive Kenya.
At CFAO Automotive Kenya, he is in charge of Toyota Kenya, DT Dobie and Tyre Distribution Africa Limited (TYDIA).
Following his appointment in 2017, he was the first Kenyan to lead the company since Toyota entered the local market in 1964.
In three years after assuming the office, the company’s market share increased from 15 percent to the current 25 percent.
Under his leadership, he has also been championing for the Buy Kenya Build Kenya initiative which has backing of the government.
Reel has also seen the growth of Toyota to have over 31 outlets across the country.
He kicked off his career at Deloitte & Touche as an External Auditor before moving to Lonrho Motors East Africa.
Reel then moved to Toyota Tsusho Africa (Pty) Ltd where he had served as Finance Manager – Distributor Management Department.
He held the position for four years, and served as and General Manager – Distributor Support Department for three years.
Reel then moved to Toyota Malawi where he served as the managing director and grew the market share from 36 percent to 44 percent.
He has also served as as the Finance Director & Company Secretary at Toyota Zambia and Finance Manager at Toyota East Africa Ltd.
Reel is also a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
