Yokohama reshuffles, names new ATG chairman

Tokyo – Yokohama Rubber Co. (YRC) announced a number of changes to the company’s senior management on 31 Jan, including the appointment of current YRC president Hikomitsu Noji to vice chairman of the board and chairman of Alliance Tire Group (ATG).

Noji will take over from Toru Kobayashi who took over the job after ATG's acquisition in July 2016. He has previously served as president and CEO of Yokohama Tire Corp. and CEO of Yokohama Corp. of North America.

Among other changes president of YRC tire business Masataka Yamaishi will be promoted to president and representative member of the board, head of corporate planning division.

Additionally, member of the board and head of Japan replacement tire sales & marketing division Osamu Mikami will replace Yamiashi as president of tire business and will continue his role as head of Japan replacement tire sales & marketing division.

Shigeru Nakano will be promoted to chief tire production officer, head of tire production division and head of tire production technology division. Nakano was also head of North America tire plant division.

Yokohama has not announced a replacement for Nakano in North America yet.

The changes are scheduled to be formally approved after YRC's general meeting of shareholders to be held 30 March.