- Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), will retire on 1 January 2027.
- Keiichi Yasuda, current Executive Vice President and Representative Director, has been appointed as his successor.
- The executive transition follows major organizational milestones, including the merger of Honda’s two-wheel and four-wheel racing arms and its official Formula 1 return with Aston Martin for 2026.
Leadership Transition at Honda Racing Corporation
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has announced a significant leadership transition, confirming that long-time motorsport boss Koji Watanabe will retire from his position on 1 January 2027. Watanabe, who first joined the Japanese automotive manufacturer in 1987, was appointed head of Honda’s dedicated racing division in 2022. HRC has designated Keiichi Yasuda as his successor to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer. Yasuda currently serves as Executive Vice President and Representative Director at HRC and previously led the human resources department within the racing arm.
According to the company, the leadership reshuffle is intended to prepare the organization for emerging industry dynamics. “This executive change is part of a planned periodic personnel rotation designed to strengthen the management structure in response to global transformation and to accelerate business expansion for the next generation,” Honda stated.
Watanabe’s Legacy and Global Restructuring
During his tenure leading HRC, Watanabe orchestrated major operational and strategic milestones. Under his leadership, Honda consolidated its previously separate four-wheel and two-wheel racing operations into a unified entity. He also directed Honda’s reversal of its earlier decision to exit Formula 1, securing an agreement to re-enter the championship as a full works power unit supplier for Aston Martin under the upcoming 2026 technical regulations. In addition, Watanabe led international restructuring moves by integrating Honda Performance Development in the United States into HRC US and founding HRC UK.
Reflecting on his leadership tenure, Watanabe expressed gratitude for his time at the helm: “It is my honour serving as a president of HRC with the wonderful colleagues” Watanabe said.
“In 2022, I assumed the post of President of the new HRC, unifying both motorcycle and automobile motorsport activities. Since then, we decided on our return to F1, expanded our global motorsport structure by reorganizing HPD in the U.S. into HRC US and establishing HRC UK, and worked on building HRC’s global brand.
“For the remaining three months of my presidency, I will continue to do my utmost, aiming for victory until the very end.”
Keiichi Yasuda’s Vision for HRC
As incoming CEO, Keiichi Yasuda plans to leverage his extensive corporate experience, which includes leadership roles at overseas subsidiaries as well as his background in human resources, to maintain continuity and enhance HRC’s global competitive capabilities.
Looking ahead to his new responsibilities, Yasuda stated: “I consider it my mission to firmly inherit the solid foundation built by Watanabe.
“Evolve it further, unite everyone’s vector toward the single goal of winning in races, and make HRC even stronger.
“Leveraging my management experience as president of overseas local entities and my background in HR, I will focus on investing in people and strengthening our organisation toward victory.”
Why This Matters
The transition at the top of HRC arrives during a critical phase in Honda’s international motorsport commitments. With the 2026 Formula 1 power unit regulations on the horizon, Honda is deepening its collaboration with Aston Martin to compete as a direct works partner. Ensuring organizational stability, unifying global operations across Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and maximizing personnel potential under Yasuda’s management will be central to maintaining Honda’s title-winning ambitions across world championships.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Koji Watanabe officially step down as HRC President?
Koji Watanabe will retire from his leadership position on 1 January 2027.
Who is taking over as the head of Honda Racing Corporation?
Keiichi Yasuda, who currently serves as HRC’s Executive Vice President and Representative Director and has a background in human resources and overseas executive management, will succeed Watanabe as CEO.
What were Koji Watanabe’s key achievements at HRC?
Watanabe oversaw the consolidation of Honda’s two-wheel and four-wheel racing programs into a unified HRC, confirmed Honda’s factory Formula 1 return with Aston Martin for the 2026 engine regulations, and established a broader global footprint through HRC US and HRC UK.
