CYPRESS, Calif. (March 20, 2008) — Masaharu Yoshimoto, Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corp. president and CEO, has been named a senior corporate officer for parent Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd., and James Hawk, president and plant manager of Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc., has become a corporate officer, president and plant manager.
Yoshimoto already served as a corporate officer for the Tokyo-based parent. He also will continue in his roles at the U.S. subsidiary, Toyo said. He has served as CEO and president of the Cypress-based unit since 2005.
Hawk also will serve as president and plant manager of Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc. the company's U.S. passenger car and light truck tire plant in White, Ga. He has been senior vice president of operations and plant manager of the operation since December 2004.
Yoshimoto joined the tire maker in 1972 and has held various positions in several markets, including the U.S. and Australia.