Yokohama Tire appoints new president and CEO

Takao Oishi, who has headed up Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) in the US since April 2008, is returning to Japan to take up the position of general manager of Yokohama Rubber’s Industrial Products business group. Taking his place as president and CEO of YTC is Yasushi Tanaka, who begins in the role on June 29. Tanaka, previously in charge of corporate planning within Yokohama Rubber’s GD100 Promotion department, will be based at YTC’s corporate headquarters in Fullerton, California. His promotion also includes being named president of Yokohama Corporation of America and president of Yokohama Corporation of North America. Tanaka remains a Yokohama Rubber corporate officer.

YTC states it “enjoyed remarkable growth” under Takao Oishi’s leadership, including a significant rise in the volume of sales and market share. Additionally, the organisation expanded production capabilities at its Salem, Virginia facility and elevated awareness of the Yokohama brand through initiatives such as sports marketing. “I am extremely proud of what we accomplished at YTC,” said Oishi. “Despite some of the toughest economic times in recent US economic history, the company rose to be the most successful and profitable subsidiary of YRC worldwide. I am also grateful that, during my tenure, I was surrounded by dealers and YTC colleagues who provided me with warm friendship. I look forward to leaving the company in the very capable hands of Mr. Tanaka, as well as returning home to embark on achieving new milestones.”