Two major players in the global tire market are ringing in the new year with changes in their management network.
Kinya Kawakami was elevated to director and managing corporate officer; general manager of corporate social responsibility division; general manager of R&D center; general manager of Hiratsuka plant for Yokohama Rubber Co.
Sinichi Suzuki was moved up to managing corporate officer and president of Yokohama RPZ, the company’s Russian tire operations.
Toshiyuki Nishida was named corporate officer; deputy general manager of industrial products business group; and general manager of industrial products technical division.
J.B. Kim, president of Kumho Tire USA, will return to South Korea to head the parent company’s domestic OE and replacement sales divisions. Coming on board as the new president in the U.S. will be Hai Eok “Harry” Choi.
