NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 25, 2002)—Bridgestone/Firestone said Isao Togashi, 60, vice chairman of BFS North American Tire, will take over as executive vice president of manufacturing and technology for Bridgestone Corp. He will resign his current position in Nashville in late March and head to Tokyo.
Mr. Togashi will be succeeded by Yasuyoshi Kawaguchi, 57, who also will serve as president of manufacturing and technology operations of BFNT.
The company also announced that John Lampe, chairman, CEO and president of BFS Americas Holdings and chairman of BFNT, will take on additional responsibilities as president of BFNT.
“Isao Togashi was here for Bridgestone/Firestone when the company, and I, needed him most," Mr. Lampe said. "He has been a tremendous help to me as we have worked to rebuild this company, and I will always be grateful to him for his advice, his advocacy on behalf of Bridgestone/Firestone and his sense of humor.”
Mr. Kawaguchi will be responsible for research, product development and manufacturing.