NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 19, 2004) — The vice chairman and president of Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. and Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire will return to Japan because of ill health.
Yuji Tomiyasu will accept an assignment at Bridgestone Corp. in Japan following his recovery, the tire maker said. As of Jan. 1, Mr. Tomiyasu's roles in North America will be filled by Asahiko “Duke” Nishiyama, currently director, Americas and Europe operations for Bridgestone Corp.
Mr. Tomiyasu joined Bridgestone in 1974 and came to North America earlier this year. Mr. Nishiyama joined Bridgestone in 1977 and assumed his current post in January.