BFMO President Wada to Retire

Masao Wada, a 37-year veteran of the Bridgestone group of companies and current president of President of Bridgestone Firestone Manufacturing Operations (BFMO), had taken the decision to retire as of March 1, 2008. Wada will also retire from his positions as executive vice president and member of the Board of Directors of Bridgestone Americas Holding. Succeeding Wada in the role of president will be incumbent BFMO vice president Steven Brooks, whose appointment commences on January 1, 2008 in order to provide for a smooth management transition.

Wada joined the Bridgestone Corporation in 1971 and has served in a variety of positions within the organisation, with initial assignments in the engineering area and the Overseas Plant Tech Coordination Department in Japan. In 1983, he transferred to the United States and was assigned to the LaVergne, Tennessee. plant as a production and technical advisor. The LaVergne facility, which was purchased from the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company that year, was Bridgestone Corporation’s first tyre production facility in the United States. He was promoted to his current position as president, BFMO in 2003 and added the title of senior vice president, Bridgestone Americas Holding (BSAH) that same year. He was promoted to executive vice president of BSAH in 2007. Wada holds a Masters degree in Applied Chemistry from Keio University.

“Masao Wada has been a valued and valuable member of the BFNT/BFMO team for many years,” commented Asahiko “Duke” Nishiyama, president of BFNT. “Whether in his critical role during the start-up of the Warren County plant or in his current position as President of BFMO and Executive Vice President of BSAH, Wada-san has made a tremendous contribution to the success that we as a company enjoy today. While we are saddened to see him leave us, Bridgestone Firestone is fortunate to have a very capable successor in Steve Brooks, an individual who is ready to accept the challenges and responsibilities that are so much a part of the position of BFMO President.”