Bridgestone merging China, Asia Pacific tyre business units

Under restructuring measures Bridgestone is undertaking in the Asia region, Bridgestone Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. (BSAP) will expand its area of responsibility to include tyre operations in China. From 1 July, Bridgestone Asia Pacific – henceforth abbreviated to BSCAP – will become the head office in charge of both BSAP and Bridgestone (China) Investment Co. Ltd., the company’s current Chinese head office.

Bridgestone Corporation says it is making these changes in Asia in order to “upgrade” the company’s global management structure, an issue it identified as a priority in its Mid-Term Management Plan 2013 (2013MTP). By integrating the strategic business units managing tyre operations in China and Asia Pacific, Bridgestone says it will be able to “make more effective use of management resources, which will enable it to further global management, enhance governance in emerging countries and respond more promptly to the rapid changes in the markets.”

Narumi Zaitsu, currently in charge of International Tire Business Operations, will additionally become chief executive officer of Bridgestone Asia Pacific as of 1 July. Other personnel changes accompanying the restructuring include the appointment of Kunitoshi Takeda to the new position of chief operating officer of Bridgestone Asia Pacific, while Gary Garfield, Franco Annunziato and Christine Karbowiak will serve as BSCAP board members in addition to their current duties. Shinichi Sato, incumbent president of Bridgestone Asia Pacific, will become vice-president and officer, Asia Pacific, China, Middle East, Africa and Russia Tire Business Operations.

Following this restructuring, Bridgestone will operate five regional tyre strategic business units – Japan, Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific (including China), and Middle East & Africa.