Toyo Group Announces Executive Appointments

Toyo North America has appointed Shozo (Carlos) Kibata president, and Toyo Tire (USA) Corp has appointed Masaharu Yoshimoto as executive vice president, Tire Review has reported. Kibata, who will remain president of Toyo Tire (USA) Corp, will be stationed in Georgia, beginning in July, to oversee the construction and operation of the tiremaker’s new US manufacturing facility in Bartow County. The facility is expected to produce 2 million tyres annually for the North American passenger car and light truck segments. Yoshimoto joined Toyo Group in April 1972 and worked in the US for seven years. Since June 2001, he has served as president and CEO of Toyo Tyre & Rubber Australia Limited.