Toyo names new president, CEO

Tire Business staff report

 

Osaka, Japan -- Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. has

appointed Kenji Nakakura president and CEO, replacing Yoshio Kataoka.

Mr. Kataoka was named president in 2002 and added the role of CEO in 2004.

Mr. Nakakura, previously managing executive officer and president of

the entity that oversees Toyo's chemical and industrial

products/automotive parts divisions, also will be a representative

director and continue to serve as a board member. He will assume his

new duties Jan. 1, Toyo said.

Mr. Kataoka will become adviser to the president and will continue serving on the company's board.

Toyo did not elaborate on the reasons for the change, a spokesman said.

Mr. Nakakura, 59, has been with Toyo since 1971. Mr. Kataoka joined Toyo in 1968.