TOKYO (Dec. 8, 2015) — Nippon Goodyear Ltd. has hired veteran tire industry executive Yujiro Kanahara to be president of the company.
Mr. Kanahara joins Goodyear following a 36-year career with Bridgestone Corp., where he served in executive leadership roles in Japan and key markets around the world prior to retiring from the company in 2014. According to his LinkedIn page, he was CEO of Bridgestone South Africa (Pty.) Ltd. from August 2012 to May 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Dan Smytka, president of Goodyear's Asia Pacific unit, said the addition of Mr. Kanahara begins “a new chapter for Goodyear in Japan.
“His deep tire industry experience and proven track record of building strong customer relationships will help us capitalize on the significant opportunities to grow our presence in one of the world's key automotive markets.”
Mr. Kanahara succeeds Dale Brackin, who Goodyear said “has successfully served” as interim president during the transition period since October, when Akron-based Goodyear reacquired the Nippon Goodyear business.
“I am excited to join Goodyear and honored to lead the Japan business at this important time,” Mr. Kanahara said, calling Goodyear “a great company with an iconic brand, industry leading in tire technology and innovation and a proud history of serving customers in Japan over the last 63 years.
“This provides us with a strong foundation as we invest to build our brand and broaden product offerings in Japan in the years ahead.”
Organized in 1952, Nippon Goodyear sells domestically produced and imported Goodyear-brand tires in the replacement and original equipment markets. Until recently it was part of the Goodyear-Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. global joint business alliance.
Its affiliate, Nippon Giant Tire Co. Ltd., produces off-road tires for earthmovers and heavy equipmentat a factory in Tatsuno, Japan. Goodyear also markets and distributes aviation tires in the country.