Bridgestone Europe names new president

Brussels -- Takashi

Urano has been appointed chairman, ceo and president of Bridgestone Europe. He

took over the post on 1 April and succeeds Minekazu Fujimura, who is retiring.

Urano joined Bridgestone in 1974, soon after graduating in economics

from Keio University, Japan. By 1999, he had risen to become General

Manager of the Asia and Oceania Division - and, a few months later,

took over as General Manager of the China Department.

At

the beginning of 2004, he was appointed Director of the Middle East,

Africa and Russia Division.

Having worked in many different

cultures, from Bridgestone's mother plant in Kurume (Japan), to

Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania, he sees communication as

the key to a successful future.

My

aim is that BSEU should grow steadily and profitably, sustained by

strong sales in each of our locations. Europe is one of the most

advanced markets for the automotive industry and our customers are

highly demanding in terms of technology, quality and sales,” he

maintains. Meeting their standards, and sharing our expertise and

knowledge with our colleagues in other regions, is essential in

building global leadership.”