Sean Suggs, former president of Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, has joined the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business as an Executive in Residence, where he’ll mentor students and share insights from his career in manufacturing, leadership and innovation.
With a career leading large-scale manufacturing operations and Toyota’s first in-house battery facility in North America, Sean Suggs brings deep expertise in innovation, operations and people development to the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business’ Executive in Residence program.
Suggs shares what he hopes to accomplish in his new role and how Elon University students can benefit.
What was your most recent role with Toyota?
My most recent role was president of Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, where I led the startup and operations of Toyota’s first in-house battery manufacturing facility in North America, a $14 billion dollar investment. In this position, I was responsible for organizational development, talent cultivation and managing extensive manufacturing operations aligned with Toyota’s long-term electrification strategy.
How would you describe your career path?
My career path has been progressive leadership roles within manufacturing and operations, with a strong focus on people development, operational excellence and continuous improvement. Over time, I have had the opportunity to lead increasingly complex organizations and projects, culminating in launching and leading a transformational manufacturing facility.
I started on the shop floor, so I learned not only how to lead but also how to be brilliant at the basics. My eight years of military service also played a big part in shaping my leadership style and approach to teamwork.
What does serving as an Executive in Residence at the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business mean to you?
Serving as an Executive in Residence is a meaningful opportunity to share real-world leadership and innovative manufacturing experiences with students and to help them connect academic learning with practical applications. It also allows me to give back by mentoring, coaching and developing students as they think about their careers, leadership styles and professional goals.
What kinds of conversations and experiences do you hope to create for Elon students during your time on campus?
I hope to foster honest, engaging conversations about leadership, teamwork and decision making in complex organizations. I want students to gain insight into what it takes to lead large teams, manage uncertainty and balance technical, operational and human challenges in significant business settings.
What perspectives from your work in manufacturing and battery production are you most excited to share with Elon students?
Battery manufacturing is at the center of innovation, sustainability and global competitiveness. I am excited to share perspectives on building operations from the ground up, developing a skilled workforce, managing risks and leading through change, as well as how manufacturing plays a critical role in the future of mobility.
What advice would you offer students who are interested in leading teams or managing large, complex projects in their careers?
My advice is to put people first with passion, communicate clearly and stay curious. Strong leaders create environments where teams can succeed, learn from mistakes and continuously improve. It is also important to seek out challenges, be patient with your growth and remain adaptable as industries evolve.
Beyond your résumé, what should people know about you and what you enjoy outside of work?
Beyond my professional background, I value family, my wife, Janet, our six children and five grandchildren along with mentorship and lifelong learning. Outside of work, I enjoy playing golf. I have now played in all 50 states and on six continents, which helps keep me grounded and energized. I am also the author of three books on my life story, my golf journey and leadership.
Students may reach out to Suggs through LinkedIn. His contact information will be added to the next edition of the Love School of Business newsletter.