Ed Lewis

Director, Public Policy Communications Toyota Motor North America

Ed Lewis is director of public policy communications for Toyota Motor North America.  He is responsible for managing product and policy engagement programs with media, business and advocacy groups in Washington, to ensure Toyota’s views and U.S. investments are understood and disseminated. 

Working with the government affairs team, he is charged with developing opportunities and programs with key audiences that expand the company’s influence as a major automaker and policy thought leader.

Prior to joining Toyota in 2007, Mr. Lewis served seven years at Ford Motor Company as senior manager of communications where he was responsible for public policy and media relations in Washington. During a four-year stint at the company’s Dearborn, MI headquarters, he held several public affairs management positions in sales and marketing, manufacturing, engineering and executive communications. 

Mr. Lewis also served in the mid-Atlantic and southeast regional communications and government affairs office of Nissan North America, where he managed media relations and product introductions in seven states. He developed a comprehensive communications plan that was the basis of a $6 million corporate image advertising campaign.

His broad Washington trade association experience includes senior communications management positions for the American Automobile Manufacturers Association, representing GM, Ford and Chrysler.  His responsibilities included speechwriting for AAMA president Andrew Card, and issue advertising campaigns. Previously, he was Director of the Tire Industry Safety Council, which was the communications arm representing U.S. automobile tire and rubber manufacturers.  

Mr. Lewis started his career as a general assignment reporter at the Memphis Commercial Appeal.  He served on the board of the National Press Club Journalism Institute; the Press Club Speakers Committee and is a current member of the National Press Foundation Advisory Council. 

Mr. Lewis’ team won the Public Relations Society of America’s “platinum award” for the world introduction of Ford's Escape Hybrid SUV at the New York Auto Show.  He was recognized in Ebony magazine as one of the rising managers at Ford. Throughout his career he has received numerous awards for his work as a crisis communications spokesman and is a recipient of the National Press Club's "Vivian Award" for hard work and inspiration.

He has a Master’s Degree in public policy management from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Howard University.