Humberto Gomez to succeed Gary Nash at Yokohama Tire Mexico

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. has promoted Humberto Gomez to president of Yokohama Tire Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (YTMX), succeeding Gary Nash, who is retiring March 31 after 52 years in the tire industry, including the last 20 with Yokohama.

Mr. Gomez came out of retirement in 2013 to work alongside Mr. Nash as YTMX's director general, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Queretaro, Mexico-based subsidiary of Yokohama Tire Corp.

Mr. Nash — a 2010 Tire Industry Association Hall of Fame inductee — began his industry career in 1965 with Goodyear's retail division, including work at the firm's Brad Ragan Tire subsidiary.

He joined Bridgestone/Firestone in 1980 as a district manager of commercial sales. He left Bridgestone in 1994 to work with Fletcher's Cobre Tire and later with Purcell Tire & Rubber before joining Yokohama Tire in 1998 in the commercial tire business.

At Yokohama he held several positions, including vice president of OTR sales. He was named president of YTMX in 2013.

"I've been blessed to have had such a great — and long — career," he said. "It's been a blast because to me, it's always been about the people and friends I've met along the way. I've prided myself on being a mentor and trying to make people feel good about themselves. I've worked with some of the finest people and have been fortunate enough to have spent these last two decades at what I believe to be the best rubber company in the world, Yokohama."

YTC CEO Shinichi Takimoto called Mr. Nash a "true legend: one of the most respected, knowledgeable and influential people in the industry. He embodies his favorite moto: 'In order to be a salesman, you must first sell yourself. Integrity, plus confidence, plus friendship equals success.' We wish him the best in his retirement, but we'll certainly miss him."

Mr. Gomez, who worked for three decades for Bridgestone Corp. busniesses throughout Latin America, said, "It's an honor to follow in Gary's footsteps. He's been an inspiration and we will continue to build Yokohama's presence in Mexico with increased brand recognition and sales."