Update: Sumitomo Rubber Europe names new managing director

Brussels – Tomohiko Masuta has been appointed as the managing director of Sumitomo Rubber Europe GmbH and its affiliate Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, it was announced 11 May.

Masuta takes over the role from Yutaka Kuroda, and the appointment came into effect 1 April, Sumitomo added. 

Masuta joined Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) in 1985 to work in the Japanese tire maker's product development department. 

In the 1990s, he moved to the original equipment (OE) business area before being taking over the development of the Dunlop brand in Europe. 

In 2015, he was appointed general manager of OE tire business for SRI, with his most recent role being general manager of the Automotive System Division.

In his new role, Masuta will oversee SRI's companies in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) region as well as Falken businesses in Europe with the aim to drive the growth of OE customers within the region.

“I am excited to lead the business as we push to grow our European OE customers,” said Masuta upon his appointment.