Kristen Tabar is group vice president of vehicle development and engineering at Toyota Motor North American Research and Development (TMNA R&D) in York Township, Mich., responsible for vehicle development design engineering teams for Toyota’s North American operations. In this role, Tabar directs the vehicle development strategy, introducing new technology and systems, and working with North American manufacturing centers and local suppliers to deliver vehicles matching customer expectations and Toyota’s high level of quality.
Passionate about women’s leadership, Tabar supports a range of outreach and continuing development initiatives related to STEM education for women. Currently, she serves on Toyota’s Diversity Advisory Board, Audit Committee, and Investment Council.
Tabar joined Toyota in 1992 as an engineer, responsible for vehicle audio component development. Tabar earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan.