Toyo Announces Death of Carlos Kibata

Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. has announced the death of its chairman, Carlos (Shozo) Kibata on June 26, 2010, following a brief illness. Kibata, aged 64, had been with the Toyo Tires organisation for more than 41 years and in addition to being chairman was until recently an executive corporate officer of Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., LTD. in Japan.

Kibata joined Toyo Tires in 1969, and following positions of increasing responsibility in Japan, Kibata assumed his first North American assignment with the Toyo Tire U.S.A. sales department from 1978 to 1986. After returning to Tokyo, he became general manager of the International Overseas Division from 1993 to 1996. He then returned to North America as president of Toyo Tire Canada Inc. from 1996 to 1999.

 In 1999 Kibata took over the presidency of Toyo Tire U.S.A.  In 2008, he established Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas and was its first president. Kibata, as the founding president of Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing, was also instrumental in setting up Toyo Tires’ tyre manufacturing plant in White, Georgia in 2004. He also played an important role in the integration and growth of the Nitto Tire unit within the US Toyo Tires group.

“Kibata was an inspirational leader, taking Team Toyo to a leadership position in the US market,” stated Toyo in an official release. “He grew the Toyo brand market share significantly during his tenure, through the introduction of leading-edge products, the strengthening of customer relationships, and creation of a US manufacturing base. Toyo Tires will always cherish the fond memories of Mr. Kibata and his legacy. He will be deeply missed.”