NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Bridgestone/ Firestone Americas Holding Inc. has named Yasuyoshi Kawaguchi vice chairman and president of manufacturing and technology operations for Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire L.L.C.
He replaces Isao Togashi, previously vice chairman of BFS Americas Holding and president of BFS North American Tire, who has become executive vice president of manufacturing and technology at parent company Bridgestone Corp. in Japan.
As part of the changes in North America, John Lampe, BFS Americas Holding chairman, CEO and president, now also is president of BFS North American Tire.
Kawaguchi began his Bridgestone career in 1970 as a tire compounder. He served in positions of increasing responsibility in the tire materials and development side of the business and most recently was vice president of tire manufacturing technology. In his new position, he will have responsibility for the research, product development and manufacturing aspects of Bridgestone/ Firestone´s tire business.