Ken Kreafle joined Toyota in 1987. During his distinguished 31 years with Toyota, Ken held numerous positions. He was the chief production engineer for the new generation Avalon. He worked closely with the Toyota North American Manufacturing Companies (NAMCs), Toyota Technical Center (TTC), and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) to ensure the success of the North American vehicle launches.
Ken’s assignments at Toyota include General Manager of Vehicle Production Engineering. Ken also was assigned to supplier Futaba as Vice President of Operations.
While at Toyota, Ken twice served as the Toyota Executive-in-Residence with UK’s College of Engineering True Lean Program, serving as its Director.
Since he retired from Toyota in 2018, he has continued his relationship with True Lean, serving as a senior advisor. In 2019, Ken was inducted into the Shingo Hall of fame.
He also served as an advisory board member for the Department of Mechanical Engineering, UK College of Engineering, and a member of the Board of Directors for Northern Kentucky University Research Foundation.
A native of Maryland, Ken earned his BS and a Master’s Degree in industrial technology. He completed his master’s thesis on Industrial Robotic Applications at the University of Maryland, College Park.