South Africans are known for making their mark internationally. The latest South African to join the ranks of international heavy-hitters is Dr. Johan van Zyl. Currently the President and CEO of Toyota SA, he has now become one of only five non-Japanese to be promoted to the position of Managing Officer within Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).

Following a board meeting scheduled for June 2009 to confirm this appointment, Dr van Zyl will take office as Managing Officer, but will also remain President and CEO of Toyota SA. TMC has only 50 Managing Officers globally and this appointment essentially makes Dr van Zyl part of the company’s global management team, reporting to the TMC Board. It sounds like he's going to be quite a busy man.

“I am extremely excited about this opportunity and although I’m sure I’ll be much busier, it is business as usual at Toyota SA and my commitment remains firmly with this company,” he said.

“An appointment of this nature is indeed a vote of confidence in South African management and I am proud that this could be achieved without my leaving the country, but remaining here to help build this great nation and company.”