WASHINGTON (Sept. 8, 2016) — Jim Hawk, chairman of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. and Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc., has been elected chairman of the Board of Directors of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).
Mr. Hawk, a 40-year veteran of the tire industry, succeeds Gary Garfield, who announced last month he would retire from his position as chief executive officer and president of Bridgestone Americas Inc.
“Jim's industry experience, energy, vision and his active tenure on the board will be a great asset to RMA and our industry,” said RMA President and CEO Anne Forristall Luke.
In a statement, Mr. Hawk said he was honored by the confidence his fellow tire industry leaders have expressed in him by naming him RMA chairman.
“We serve a vital and historic industry that provides substantial value to our nation,” Mr. Hawk said.
Mr. Hawk has been with Toyo since December 2004 and chairman of Toyo Tire Holdings America since 2012. He's also worked for Yokohama Tire Corp., Continental A.G. and General Tire & Rubber Co.