Derek Williams

Derek Williams has extensive experience in the automotive industry, primarily with Toyota, where Derek has held various senior roles since 1992. Currently serving as Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Group at Toyota Motor Europe, Derek has been instrumental in advancing initiatives for the LGBTQ+ community. As Head of the Toyota Caetano Strategic ZEV programme, Derek drives the transition of Toyota Caetano Automotive Portugal towards a leading Zero Emissions commercial vehicle company. Previous positions include overseeing significant corporate cost reduction programs, leading vehicle product planning initiatives such as the 2018 RAV4 model change, and heading telematics and multimedia product planning, delivering innovative connected navigation solutions. Derek's career began with roles in sales planning, manufacturing group planning, and brew management, complemented by an MBA from Warwick Business School and a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Birmingham.