Arakawa to head Bridgestone/Firestone Europe

BRUSSELS (April 17)—Bridgestone Corp. has named Shoshi Arakawa as chairman and CEO for Bridgestone/Firestone Europe, replacing Takeshi Uchiyama, who retired after three years at the helm of the Brussels-based operation. Arakawa previously managed the firm's business in Thailand, China and Australia. "My top priority is to keep our company growing steadily," Arakawa said in a prepared statement. "All of the world´s leading tire manufacturers are active in the European market, so the competition is intense. We will cope with that competition through sound, conscientious management," Arakawa said. Bridgestone/Firestone Europe reported sales of $1.8 billion in fiscal 1999, the last year for which sales data are available.