Toyota executive resigns following drug arrest

Toyota’s first senior female Executive has stepped down following her arrest in Japan for violating the country’s strict narcotic drugs control act.

Chief Communications Officer Julie Hamp, was released from custody in Japan only yesterday. 20 days after her arrest. Hamp was suspected of attempting to bring a drug called Oxycodone into Japan. Oxycodone is a powerful painkiller requiring prescription in both Japan and the US. She has not been charged.

Toyota said Hamp notified the company of her resignation via a lawyer.

The resignation will come as a blow for the firm’s diversity figures. She had been hailed as a leading figure in Toyota’s push for greater diversity.