Too much talk? Honda chief reins in freewheeling management

With industry disrupted, CEO emphasizes small brain trust over 'big boardroom'

20200413N Full Honda CEO

Honda Motor President and CEO Takahiro Hachigo leaves a press conference at the automaker's headquarters in Tokyo. Hachigo has established a "president's office," with staff to support his day-to-day decision-making.  © AP

YOSHIHIRO HARA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- "I have no subordinates," grumbles Honda Motor President Takahiro Hachigo, who heads an automaker known for an open-ended management style where the voices of workers throughout the company are heard as part of the decision-making process.

But with the auto industry going through a once-a-century transformation, Hachigo hopes to create a quicker, more efficient process.

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