Top Honda Exec Resigns Following Allegations of ‘Improper Conduct’

Shinji Aoyama, embattled former Executive Vice President (EVP) of Honda Motor (Honda), pictured presenting the Honda 0 Series concept. The 61-year-old exec recently resigned following allegations of 'improper conduct'.

Japanese automaker Honda Motor (Honda) confirmed that it accepted the resignation of one of its top-tier executives this week. Specifically, it’s one of the firm’s two Executive Vice President (EVP)– Shinji Aoyama.

Aoyama, who is also one board member, resigned after reported allegations of engaging in ‘improper conduct’ during a social gathering surfaced. What these improper acts were exactly was not disclosed by the automaker.

Though the alleged misconduct occurred outside of work hours, the automaker’s audit committee reportedly investigated the incident and devised a disciplinary action plan against 61-year-old Aoyama, who elected to resign just before said plan was implemented.

Reporting directly to CEO Toshihiro Mibe prior to his resignation, Aoyama worked for Honda since 1986. He led its North American operations, its motorcycle division, and is touted as one of the key drivers behind Honda’s electrification push.

Speaking of CEO Mibe, the exec also reportedly announced that he would be returning 20% of his monthly compensation for the next two months and that, after that incident, the company will implement a new management structure, though this was perhaps on the cards already.

Additionally, 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.”

Despite the automaker acting swiftly, Aoyama’s alleged misconduct arguably will not help with the automaker’s current public image that has been affected recently by its poor stock performance and  failed merger talks with rivals Nissan.