New Bridgestone management structure 'to bolster competitiveness'

Tokyo — Bridgestone Corp. is introducing a new executive management structure effective 24 March, to help it 'strengthen competitiveness and respond more agilely to rapid changes in the business environment.'

According to the Japanese group, the new structure is designed to "evolve its technological foundation" as a tire and rubber products manufacturer.

A further goal is to place “development of attractive products and services [and] enhancement of cost-competitiveness” at the centre of its growth strategy.

Bridgestone also aims to reinforce “glocal optimal management” through business portfolio management, a move it said would help accelerate growth toward its 100th anniversary in 2031.

Effective 24 March, Nobuyuki Tamura, formerly EVP and representative executive officer, Bridgestone East CEO, will assume the role of representative executive officer and Bridgestone East CEO.

Scott Damon, formerly EVP and executive officer, Bridgestone West CEO and global CDXO, BSAM group president, will take on the role of executive officer, Bridgestone West CEO and BSAM group president.

Emilio Tiberio, formerly SVP and executive officer, Bridgestone West CTO, will assume the position of executive officer and Bridgestone West CTO.

Tomohiro Kusano, formerly SVP and executive officer, global CIO, will take on the role of executive officer and CIO.

Hiroshi Imai, formerly VP and senior officer, global motorsports, will assume the position of executive officer and chief product officer.

Yukihiko Hoso, formerly VP and senior officer, Bridgestone East tire production, will take on the role of executive officer and chief manufacturing officer.

Furthermore, Masato Banno, formerly EVP and executive officer, global CTO, will retire from the company.

Also effective 24 March, Akio Kusano, formerly VP and senior officer, product and production technology development, will assume the role of VP and senior officer, product development.

Kenji Yamasaki, formerly VP and senior officer, global tire manufacturing and engineering, will take on the role of VP and senior officer, production technology.
Sho Inoue’s role as global CQMO, quality management will change to VP and senior officer, CQO.

Naoki Hishinuma will remain as the CFO while Yoshikazu Shida, formerly VP and global CCO, will assume the role of VP and senior officer, portfolio management.

The changes are subject to approval at a board of directors meeting to be held following Bridgestone’s annual shareholders’ meeting scheduled for 24 March.