TOKYO—Bridgestone Corp. has named Yoshiyuki Morimoto executive chairman of Bridgestone Americas Inc., succeeding Asahiko Nishiyama.
Nishiyama will be vice chairman of the Bridgestone International Organizing Committee, where he will lead efforts around Bridgestone's TOP Olympic sponsorship. Additionally, he will serve as senior vice president for the firm's diversified products, sports and cycle business.
The appointments are effective March 24, Bridgestone said.
Morimoto continues at Bridgestone as a senior vice president of Bridgestone Corp. along with his new duties at Bridgestone Americas. A company veteran with more than 30 years' experience, Morimoto is senior vice president and chief technology officer for Bridgestone, and also is a member of the board, positions he's held since November 2012.
He will be responsible for all aspects of tire operations in the Americas, including development, manufacturing and marketing of all Bridgestone- and Firestone-branded tires. He will be based in Nashville.
Throughout his career, Morimoto has been involved in almost every aspect of tire research and development. He first worked in passenger tire development. He has held a variety of roles throughout his tenure with the company, including general manager of tire compound development; vice president and officer of tire research and material development.
Nishiyama has been executive chairman of Bridgestone Americas since 2014. He joined Bridgestone in 1977 and has spent most of his 28-year career in the international division.