Toyo Names New President & CEO

Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. of Osaka, Japan, has appointed Kenji Nakakura as the company’s new president and chief executive officer. Mr. Nakakura will also serve as Representative Director for the company and will continue to serve as a member of the board. He will assume all responsibilities effective 1 January, 2008. Mr. Nakakura has previously served as a managing executive officer for the company and president of Toyo’s DiverTech business prior to this appointment. DiverTech manages and oversees both chemical and industrial products as well as an automotive parts division for the company. Mr. Nakakura replaces Yoshio Kataoka, who will become advisor to the president and will continue serving as a member of the board.