Toyo Appoints Takagi as New VP, COO

Yasushi Takagi, a 27-year veteran of Toyo, was recently appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer of Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. As EVP and COO, Takagi will work with staff in all departments to continuously evaluate sales and marketing efforts in the U.S. and create plans for the future.

“Mr. Takagi brings with him extensive knowledge and understanding of Toyo’s global vision,” said Masaharu Yoshimoto, president and CEO of Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. “This insight and strategic thinking is extremely important as we continue to grow the Toyo brand in the United States. We are very happy to have him join us.”

From January 2006 to August 2008, Takagi served as general manager of Toyo’s corporate planning department. In this role, he coordinated with all entities of Toyo. He outlined strategies and set goals for global expansion by the company’s 70th anniversary in 2015. He also played a key role in negotiating the recent business alliance with Bridgestone Corp. Prior to January 2006, Takagi held several international positions while in Europe for nearly 20 years, including director of Toyo Tyre (U.K.) and president of Toyo Reifen GmbH (Germany). (Tire Review/Akron)