Toyo president and CEO wins Medal with Blue Ribbon

Toyo Tire Corporation representative director, president and CEO, Takashi Shimizu, has been awarded the Medal with Blue Ribbon in the 2023 autumn conferment of medals. The Japanese Medal with Blue Ribbon is awarded to individuals who have achieved in the areas of public welfare and education.

According to the company, Mr Shimizu has been awarded this honour in recognition of his “outstanding contribution to the development of a mobility society through management of the business of production and sales of automotive tyres and components, as well as the rubber industry as a whole in his capacity as the chair/president of trade organizations, including the Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JATMA) and the Japan Rubber Manufacturers Association (JRMA).”

“I am both honoured and humbled to receive the Medal with Blue Ribbon, which I believe is really more than I deserve. I could not have possibly been given this prestigious accolade without the most generous support and cooperation of our customers, employees, and all others involved, to whom I owe my sincere gratitude”, Mr Shimizu commented, adding:

“Since assuming the post of president and CEO of Toyo Tire Corporation in 2015, I have dedicated myself to rebuilding the foundation of our management and establishing our presence throughout the globe.

“I am determined to continue devoting myself to creating products that generate excitement and surprise and that exceed customer expectations and enrich society, as set forth in our company philosophy. Your continued guidance and encouragement will be most appreciated.”

Born in 1961, Takashi Shimizu graduated from the Faculty of Economics, Doshisha University in March 1985 and joined Toyo Tire Corporation a month later. In April 2010 he became president, Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. By November 2015, he had become representative director, president and CEO, Toyo Tire Corporation following a number of other senior leadership appointments.