BFS´ Ishibashi accepts new Bridgestone assignment

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 9)—Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding Inc. said that Shu Ishibashi, president of the Bridgestone Firestone North America Consumer Tire Group and an executive vice president of BFAH, will be accepting a new assignment with Bridgestone Corp.´s domestic replacement tire sales group in Japan. He will assume the new role as one of Bridgestone´s youngest directors on Jan. 1, 2003, a company statement said. Ishibashi has been a key coordinator to Bridgestone Firestone's success since 1988, when he first came to the U.S. as a member of the Firestone Merger Project. Ishibashi joined the marketing staff of Bridgestone/Firestone´s retail division in 1989 and quickly climbed through the ranks to his current position as president of the company's North American Consumer Tire Group and executive vice president of Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding Inc., the company said.