Sumitomo Rubber announces leadership change

Kobe, Japan – Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) has announced changes to its representative directors, with Yasuaki Kuniyasu set to assume the role of representative director, president and CEO, effective 26 March.

The decision was approved at a meeting of the company’s board of directors on 25 Dec 2025 and is subject to formal approval at the company’s annual general meeting of shareholders in March.

Under the planned changes, current president and CEO Satoru Yamamoto will move to the position of representative director and chairman of the board of directors, while Kuniyasu will be promoted from his current role as director and senior executive officer.

SRI said the changes are being made in connection with the establishment of "a new management structure" that will take effect from late March 2026.

Kuniyasu joined SRI in 1992 and has held a series of senior technical and management roles within the group, including general manager positions in tire technology and quality assurance.

He was appointed executive officer in 2021, promoted to senior executive officer in 2022, and became a director in 2023.