One of Honda’s two executive vice presidents allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct and, even though it was outside work hours, the company was ready to take disciplinary action
- Shinji Aoyama allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct during a social gathering.
- Even though this happened outside work hours, the company compiled a disciplinary plan.
- Aoyama, who had worked for Honda since 1986, resigned before the board took any action.
In a year already proving turbulent for Honda, another high-level shake-up has just landed. Shinji Aoyama, Honda‘s executive vice president and board member, resigned today after allegations of engaging in inappropriate conduct.
Despite the fact that this reportedly occurred during a social gathering outside work hours, the automaker’s audit committee conducted an investigation and put together a disciplinary action plan.
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Aoyama, 61, resigned before the board implemented its plan. He was one of two executive vice presidents who reported directly to CEO Toshihiro Mibe and had worked for Honda since 1986. During his time with the Japanese company, he led its North American operations, its electrification push, and its motorcycle division.
On his part, Mibe announced that he would be returning 20 percent of his monthly compensation for the next two months and that, after that incident, the company will implement a new management structure, Bloomberg reports.
In its notice to shareholders, Honda stated: “It is deeply regrettable that an individual positioned as a leader in the management of the company, and who is expected to set an example for the respect of human rights and compliance with relevant laws and regulations, has become the subject of an allegation of conduct contrary to these principles.”
Honda, whose talks about a possible $60 billion merger with Nissan fell through, is Japan’s second biggest automaker. However, it hasn’t had the greatest start in 2025. Notably, after Donald Trump announced the new tariffs on all foreign cars and parts imported into the United States, its shares have fallen by 11 percent.
Moreover, this year its stock has declined by 22 percent. Aoyama’s alleged misconduct will certainly not help its public image, even though the company itself did act swiftly. Moreover, in light of its stock’s poor performance so far, there’s a chance the restructuring of its management could have already been on the cards, although nothing’s official.
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