Yokohama Tire’s Jim MacMaster to Retire

Following a tyre industry career spanning 39 years, Yokohama Tire Corporation executive vice president and chief operating officer Jim MacMaster has announced his intention to retire in June. MacMaster, who also served as chairman of the Rubber Manufacturers Association from 2007 – 2009, began his career with a three-year stint in the Navy, followed by work in the defence and computer industries and then ten years on the manufacturing and dealer side of the tyre business. He ultimately joined Yokohama in January 1981.

“The tyre industry has been home for most of my adult life,” said MacMaster.  “I’ll certainly miss the everyday challenges at Yokohama and all of the great people I’ve worked with for so many years, but I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family in Georgia and doing a lot of travelling.”

During his three-decade tenure at Yokohama the organisation grew from a US$30 million company to nearly $1 billion.  “When I look back, my proudest achievement at Yokohama was the acquisition and expansion of our Salem, Virginia facility in 1989,” reflected MacMaster regarding the factory that produces a large majority of the passenger car tyres Yokohama sells in the US. “The flexible architecture of that plant lets us build an array of types and sizes of tyres, which adds to YTC’s competitiveness in the North American marketplace.”

“The terms ‘team’ and ‘relationships’ are often overused, but our team at Yokohama has taken this company from years of losses to prosperity – even in our current economic situation,” MacMaster added. “I want to thank everybody for their dedication and support.  I have been privileged to watch careers and families grow and I am so proud of our associates. I have also been very fortunate to have wonderful relationships with our customers, our marketing partners and industry leaders.  My time at Yokohama is full of so many favourite memories.”

“Jim has held nearly every leadership position at YTC, where he has been the foundation and the face of our company.  We all will deeply miss his keen insights and industry knowledge,” stated Takao Oishi, Yokohama Tire Corporation president and CEO. “On behalf of everybody at YTC and YRC, we are proud to have been associated with Jim and honoured that he chose to be part of the Yokohama family for so many years.  We offer Jim and Teri our best wishes as they embark on the next phase of their life together.”