TORRANCE, Calif. — Although back in September, George Borst
retired as president and chief executive officer of Toyota Financial Services after
16 years, the former captive finance company leader is still receiving
accolades.

Due to his commitment to developing strong female leaders
across the organization, Linkage's Women in Leadership Institute honored Borst
with its Outstanding CEO Award in San Francisco last Wednesday. Borst joined
Alexandra Lebenthal, president and CEO of Lebenthal Holdings, in receiving the
inaugural award that recognizes leaders who are deeply committed to advancing
the careers of women. 

"Linkage is honored to recognize George and Alexandra with
our inaugural Outstanding CEO Award for their commitment to advancing women
leaders and igniting lasting change," Linkage president Harley Ostis said. 

"I've worked closely with George through the years and he's
been instrumental in driving inclusion initiatives at TFS. He demonstrates a
level of care you don't see at every organization, Ostis continued.

Borst created initiatives specifically targeted at women, as
well as those that support the company's broader diversity and associate
development goals.  

Recognizing the importance of informal and formal mentoring,
Borst advocated for executive training on effective mentoring practices, and
encouraged associates at all levels to participate in mentoring. 

Borst was also an advocate for Toyota's women's employee
resource group, TORQUE, which has made great strides in advancing the personal
and professional development of women. 
The group has increased its impact through an annual conference that
brings women from Toyota's North American affiliates together to learn from one
another and network.  In the last three
years, attendance has doubled to almost 200 participants. 

Furthermore, Borst and Lebenthal have a collaborative
history as both worked to introduce TFS' Diversity & Inclusion Bond which
because of its success was issued twice this year.

Toyota highlighted this new type of bond syndication has become
a component of the company's comprehensive funding program, and is firmly in
line with the company's corporate initiatives, supplementing its strong focus
on diversity, both inside and outside of the workplace. 

Lebenthal Capital Markets has trademarked a Diversity Bond,
which provided a framework for the TFS Diversity & Inclusion bond.

Following the award presentation, Borst and Lebenthal
participated in a panel discussion where they shared their thoughts on the
importance of advancing women in leadership with this year's Institute
attendees.

The commitment from TFS to diversity, including philanthropic
endeavors, associate training programs, and other diversity initiatives, has
led to the captive being recognized repeatedly by DiversityInc, Black Enterprise,
Hispanic Business, and the Human Rights Campaign and other leading
organizations as leaders in diversity and inclusion.

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