CYPRESS, Calif. — James Hawk will conclude his role as chairman of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. at year-end, giving way to Iori Suzuki, currently CEO and president of the same entity.
Mr. Hawk also will vacate his roles as CEO of Toyo Automotive Parts (USA) Inc. and chairman of Toyo Tire North America OE Sales L.L.C., and will become a senior adviser to Toyo Tire.
Mr. Suzuki, CEO and president of Toyo Tire Holdings since January 2018, will succeed Mr. Hawk as chairman while also keeping his current duties. He also will continue in his role as corporate officer.
Toyo did not say who, if anyone, will assume Mr. Hawk's other duties.
Mr. Suzuki has been with Toyo Tire Americas since 2005, initially as a senior vice president and general counsel.
In addition, Kiyohito Hasumi was appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas. Mr. Hasumi was the unit's senior vice president from 2017-18, and president of both Toyo Tire Canada Inc. and Nitto Tire Canada Inc. from 2014-16.
Mr. Hawk has been a fixture in the tire industry with a career spanning more than 45 years and various roles with Continental-General Tire, GTY Tire Co., Yokohama Tire Corp. and Toyo.
Toyo recruited him to oversee its first manufacturing facility in North America, located in White, Ga., which has expanded many times since it opened in 2005.
He was named Rubber & Plastics News' 2013 Executive of the Year for his leadership in helping the Japanese-based tire manufacturer build its operations in North America.
None of these changes affects Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., where Roy Bromfield continues as president/CEO.