Leila is responsible for developing and executing strategies to further Toyota’s global business goals. She coordinates cross-functional and cross-cultural teams to successfully advocate policy positions. She also provides insight on geopolitical trends, economic policies and market developments to Toyota’s senior leadership.

Previously, Leila was appointed by President Obama to support the goal of doubling U.S. exports in five years following the 2008 financial crisis. As an appointee at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, Leila supported a record-breaking return of $76 is U.S. exports for every dollar programmed. In a prior role with USTDA, she managed a multimillion-dollar portfolio of grant funds for infrastructure projects throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

Her 15+ year career has spanned the public and private sectors including positions in the UK House of Commons, U.S. Trust Company in New York and World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

Leila earned a master’s degree in international economics from Columbia University where she was awarded a Program Assistant Fellowship. She also earned a B.A. (Hons) in Political Science and English from James Madison University. She is frequently invited to speak at global business conferences and author articles and other thought pieces.