Yokohama Europe announces top management reshuffle

Dusseldorf, Germany – Yokohama Europe has named former Pirelli executive Giovanni Angelo Ponzoni (lead image) as new chief executive officer, effective 15 Oct.

He succeeds Gregorio Borgo (2nd image), president and CEO of Yokohama Europe GmbH, who will remain within Yokohama as consultant and acting president until 1 Jan 2024.

In a statement issued 13 Oct, Yokohama said Ponzoni brings “a wealth of experience and expertise… and a proven track record in the tire industry.”

Having held “several leading positions at Pirelli”, he is tasked to lead Yokohama Europe in its “next phase of its growth and development.”

In addition, Yokohama Europe announced that Aleksandar Gramatikov, EVP sales, marketing and supply chain is to depart the company by the yearend.

Also leaving the European operation is its executive vice president CFO Soichiro Yamaji, who will transfer to Yokohama USA as an executive from 1 Jan 2024.

He is being replaced by Takashi Maki, who is transferring from Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd to Europe as new executive vice president CFO, effective 1 Nov.

Also transferring from Japan is Satoshi Miyajima, who is to take over the role of VP supply chain import operations at the start of November.

Meanwhile, current chairman of Yokohama Europe Hiroyuki Shioiri (3rd image) has been assigned to head the group’s corporate planning division in Japan.

Yokohama Europe did not provide details about Shiori’s replacement.