Toyo Tire reshuffles global leadership team

Hyogo, Japan – Toyo Tire Corp. has announced a series of top management changes, effective 1 Jan, across its global operations including Europe and Americas.

As part of the move, Kenta Kuribayashi will maintain his position as president of Toyo Tire Holdings of Europe GmbH but will no longer serve as president of Toyo Tire Deutschland.

Meanwhile, Ralf Gutena, sales and marketing director of the European subsidiary, will take over the additional role of president of Toyo Tire Deutschland.

In Americas, Tomoshige Mizutani, will take over as a chairman & CEO of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. and division general manager, Americas business development and sales.

In Japan, director corporate officer Tatsuo Mitsuhata, formerly VP sales HQ and chairman & CEO, Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. will maintain his role as VP sales HQ.

Furthermore, Osamu Watarai will take over part of Mizutani’s role as president & CEO Toyo Tire North America OE Sales LLC, while Keiko Brockel assumes the role of president & CEO, Nitto Tire USA Inc., Toyo announced 26 Dec.

Hiroya Toda, previously plant general manager, Kuwana plant, and domestic production division, will take over as division general manager international production.

Swapping roles, Kazuma Nishitani, will switch from international production to become general manager domestic production.

Jun Kodama will move from Fukushima Rubber to plant manager Kuwana.