New CEO for Bridgestone Europe

From 1st April 2006, Takashi Urano becomes Chairman, CEO and President of Bridgestone Europe (BSEU). He succeeds Minekazu Fujimura, who is retiring. Mr. Urano joined Bridgestone in 1974, soon after graduating in economics from Keio University, Japan. By 1999, he had risen to become General Manager of the Asia and Oceania Division – and, a few months later, took over as General Manager of the China Department. At the beginning of 2004, he was appointed Director of the Middle East, Africa and Russia Division.

Having worked in many different cultures, from Bridgestone’s mother plant in Kurume (Japan), to Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania, he sees communication as the key to a successful future. Mr Urano: “My aim is that BSEU should grow steadily and profitably, sustained by strong sales in each of our locations. Europe is one of the most advanced markets for the automotive industry and our customers are highly demanding in terms of technology, quality and sales,” he maintains. “Meeting their standards, and sharing our expertise and knowledge with our colleagues in other regions, is essential in building global leadership.”