Honda Motor Europe Leadership Changes 2026: Hans De Jaeger Named Regional Head

Senior leadership updates announced for Europe, Africa and Middle East

Honda Motor Europe has confirmed major senior leadership changes across its Europe, Africa and Middle East operations, effective 1 April 2026. The announcement includes the appointment of a new regional leader, a new Senior Vice President overseeing key product divisions, and the retirement of the current Operating Executive. The wider executive structure remains unchanged, ensuring continuity across the region.

Hans De Jaeger Appointed Operating Executive and Regional Head

Hans De Jaeger has been appointed Operating Executive for the Regional Unit of Europe, Africa & Middle East, as well as President and Director of Honda Motor Europe. He succeeds Katsuhisa Okuda, who will retire after a distinguished career. This appointment marks a milestone, as Hans becomes the first non-Japanese associate in Honda’s history to hold a regional leadership role.

Hans, a Belgian national, brings more than 30 years of experience within Honda. He began his career in Human Resources and Logistics and progressed through numerous senior operational and executive roles. These include President of Honda Motor Europe Benelux and Senior Vice President overseeing core product and customer divisions such as Automobile, Motorcycle, Power Products and Marine.

In commenting on his new role, Hans described “It is an honour to take on this expanded responsibility, as the first non-Japanese regional lead, at such an important time for Honda in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. My focus will be on delivering sustainable growth by strengthening our existing product lines, developing new activities that respond to evolving customer needs, and improving profitability through greater efficiency. Underpinning all of this will be an unwavering commitment to outstanding Corporate Governance, ensuring Honda continues to operate with integrity, transparency and long-term resilience.

He thanked Katsuhisa Okuda for his leadership and acknowledged the strong foundation left for future growth.

honda senior leadership team
jean-marc streng

Jean-Marc Streng Named Senior Vice President for Key Product Divisions

Jean-Marc Streng has been appointed Senior Vice President, with responsibility for the European Automobile, Motorcycle, Power Products and Marine businesses, alongside the Business Transformation Office. He joined Honda in 2007 following earlier roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Volkswagen Group in France.

During his tenure at Honda, Jean-Marc has held several senior leadership positions, including President and Managing Director of Honda Motor Europe UK. His first executive appointment came in April 2024 as Vice President responsible for Honda Retail Group, Energy Services and the Business Transformation Office.

Jean-Marc highlighted the importance of the product divisions, which serve more than one million European customers through over 3,000 retailers and distributors across 30 countries. He emphasized priorities including sustainable growth, operational efficiency and strong governance. He also noted the importance of strengthening collaboration between product divisions and the Business Transformation Office to support long-term competitiveness in a rapidly changing market.

Wider European Executive Team Remains Unchanged

The broader European leadership team remains unchanged. Ian Howells continues as Executive Vice President responsible for Finance, Legal, Information Services, Corporate Communications and Regulatory Affairs. Can Eroskay remains Vice President overseeing Customer Service, Customer Engagement, Energy & Hydrogen, and Digital & Data divisions. Shu Sato continues as Managing Director responsible for Honda’s business in the Africa & Middle East region.

Katsuhisa Okuda Retires After Leading Regional Business

The executive team extended its thanks to Katsuhisa Okuda, wishing him a long and happy retirement. They acknowledged his energy, passion and dedication during his leadership of Honda’s Europe, Africa & Middle East business and recognized his contribution in leaving a strong foundation for continued success.