HYOGO, Japan—Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. (TTR) is making several executive changes, dividing roles and responsibilities previously held by Jim Hawk, who will step down from several executive positions at the end of the year. The appointments take effect Jan. 1.
Hawk will remain with Toyo, serving in a non-executive capacity as director and chairman of the boards of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. and Toyo Tire North America OE Sales L.L.C. (TNOE). He also will remain as chairman and CEO of its U.S. subsidiary, Toyo Automotive Parts (USA) Inc., a newly created position Hawk was appointed to in November.
Iori Suzuki, meanwhile, will take on the role of CEO of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc., a position previously held by Hawk. In addition to serving as the TTHA CEO, Suzuki will retain his title as TTHA president and will continue in his role as corporate officer.
Suzuki joined TTHA as senior vice president and general counsel in 2005 and was named president of TTHA in 2016. He also played a key role in helping to establish Toyo's first U.S. tire manufacturing plant in Georgia, Toyo said.
Throughout his 30-year career, Suzuki has gained experience in global banking and international trade, according to Toyo.
Meanwhile, Tomoshige "Tomo" Mizutani was named president and CEO of White, Ga.-based Toyo Tire North America OE Sales L.L.C., taking on responsibilities previously held by Hawk, who will continue to serve as director and chairman of the board of TNOE.
Muzutani, a 30-year industry veteran, was responsible for helping to establish the Nitto brand in U.S., according to Toyo.
In his new role, Mizutani will spearhead the sales of original equipment tires to the auto industry, Toyo said, noting that he will continue to serve as chairman of Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., chairman and CEO of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc., and senior corporate officer of TTR.
Toyo also named Donald Bunn as president and CEO of Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc. (TNA), a role also held by Hawk. Bunn, whose 40-year tire industry career includes development and manufacturing experience, will be responsible for managing the company's tire manufacturing facility in White.
Bunn joined Toyo as director of technical services in 2005.