Noji named new Yokohama North America boss

Yokohama Rubber has announced three personnel changes that will take effect on 1 May.

Hikomitsu Noji has been appointed CEO of the tyre maker’s US operation, Yokohama Tire Corporation, and CEO of Yokohama Corporation of North America. Noji retains the title of president and representative director of parent company Yokohama Rubber. Noji is expected to travel to the United States regularly in his new role but will remain based at Yokohama Rubber’s headquarters in Tokyo.

Yasushi Tanaka, who was previously CEO of Yokohama Tire Corporation, CEO of Yokohama Corporation of America and CEO of Yokohama Corporation of North America, will begin on 1 May as assistant to the president of Yokohama’s Tire Business Group. In his new capacity, Tanaka will oversee Yokohama Rubber’s global plans on new plant constructions as well as expansions on existing plants.

Takayuki Hamaya will be in charge of Yokohama Tire Corporation’s day-to-day operations including strategy development, corporate planning and driving Yokohama Tire Corporation’s business performance.  Hamaya will retain his title of chief operating officer.     

“Yokohama is fully committed to investing resources in the North American marketplace,” said Tadanobu Nagumo, chairman and CEO of Yokohama Rubber. “And we are confident that this vital market will be served most effectively with the key management structure we have put in place.”