Kanahara appointed Nippon Goodyear president

Yujiro Kanahara has been named president of Nippon Goodyear Ltd, the supplier of Goodyear tyres to the Japanese market. He joins Goodyear following a 36 year career with Bridgestone Corporation, where he served in executive leadership roles in Japan and key markets around the world prior to his retirement from the company in 2014. Kanahara succeeds Dale Brackin, who served as interim president during the transition period since October when Goodyear acquired Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ 75 per cent interest in the Nippon Goodyear business.

“We are delighted to have Kanahara-san join our company in this key leadership role as we begin a new chapter for Goodyear in Japan,” said Dan Smytka, president, Goodyear Asia Pacific. “His deep tyre industry experience and proven track record of building strong customer relationships will help us capitalise on the significant opportunities to grow our presence in one of the world’s key automotive markets.”

“I am excited to join Goodyear and honoured to lead the Japan business at this important time,” added Kanahara. “Goodyear is a great company with an iconic brand, industry leading in tyre technology and innovation and a proud history of serving customers in Japan over the last 63 years. This provides us with a strong foundation as we invest to build our brand and broaden product offerings in Japan in the years ahead.”

Organized in 1952, Nippon Goodyear sells domestically produced and imported Goodyear-brand tyres in the replacement and original equipment markets. Its affiliate, Nippon Giant Tire, produces off-road tyres for earthmovers and heavy equipment at a factory in Tatsuno. Goodyear also markets and distributes aviation tyres in Japan.