RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (Jan. 3, 2006) — Falken Tire Corp. has promoted Hideo Honda to CEO from president and chief operating officer, effective Jan. 1.
Mr. Honda joined Falken Tire in 1999. In the new post he will oversee Falken's expansion into the North American market, the company said.
Richard Smallwood, previously vice president, sales and marketing, will succeed Mr. Honda as president and chief operating officer. Mr. Smallwood joined Falken in 2000 after 13 years with Yokohama Tire Corp. He will also focus on the expansion of the distribution network in North America as well as management of daily corporate activities, Falken said.
Darren Thomas, previously executive director, marketing, will be promoted to vice president, sales and marketing. He joined Falken in 2001.
In other promotions, Rick McConnell was appointed western region sales manager from senior account manager for the western region, and Matt Leeper was named eastern region sales manager from account manager for the eastern region.