NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 6, 2000)—Kenji Shibata, president of Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., retired from the company June 30 after 39 years of combined service with BFS and parent firm Bridgestone Corp.
At this time and until further notice, BFS Chairman and CEO Masatoshi Ono will assume the responsibilities of president, the tire maker said.
Mr. Shibata, 61, joined Bridgestone Tire Co. in 1961. During his tenure with Bridgestone, he has served as manager of the London representative office; general manager, International Industrial Products Department; and general manager of the Industrial Rubber and Plastic Sales Department.
In 1991, Mr. Shibata joined BFS in Akron and became president in 1993. He also has served as a member of the board of directors for both BFS and Bridgestone Corp.
"Shibata-san has been a valued friend and associate to all of us," Mr. Ono said. "His leadership has helped us make great strides in our sales and marketing areas, in particular, and I´m sure that many of our customers will also miss him."