# Honda HRC appoints new CEO after Watanabe retirement

> Honda Racing Corporation names Keiichi Yasuda as CEO after Koji Watanabe's retirement.
- Title: Honda HRC appoints new CEO after Watanabe retirement
- Summary: Honda Racing Corporation names Keiichi Yasuda as CEO after Koji Watanabe's retirement. Honda Racing Corporation's Koji Watanabe retires as CEO on 1 January…
- Keywords: honda, honda hrc, koji watanabe, keiichi yasuda, aston martin, honda racing corporation, retirement, ceo, formula one, sports, cars, HRC
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/honda-hrc-to-get-new-boss-with-koji-watanabe-set-for-retirement/10862191
- Author: Filip Cleeren
- Published: 2026-10-05T08:28:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: honda, honda hrc, koji watanabe, keiichi yasuda, f1, aston martin, honda racing corporation, retirement, ceo, formula one, sports, cars
## Honda HRC CEO retirement
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) announced current President and CEO Koji Watanabe will retire at the end of the year.
## Watanabe's retirement date
Koji Watanabe will retire on 1 January 2027 with Keiichi Yasuda appointed as his successor.
## Watanabe's background
Watanabe joined Honda in 1987 and became head of racing division in 2022 after overseeing the company's merger of four-wheel and two-wheel divisions.
## Watanabe's F1 return
Watanabe led Honda's return to F1 as a works partner of Aston Martin for 2026 regulations after previously leaving the series.
## Yasuda's appointment
Keiichi Yasuda, current Executive Vice President and Representative Director, will succeed Watanabe as HRC CEO.
## Yasuda's mission
Yasuda aims to inherit Watanabe's foundation, unite teams toward race victory, and strengthen HRC globally.
## Key takeaway

Honda Racing Corporation's Koji Watanabe retires as CEO on 1 January 2027, with Keiichi Yasuda taking over to lead the company's return to F1 and global expansion.