WHITE, Ga.—James Hawk will conclude his role as chairman of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. at the end of 2018, giving way to Iori Suzuki.
Hawk also will vacate his roles as CEO of Toyo Automotive Parts (USA) Inc. and chairman of Toyo Tire North America OE Sales L.L.C., and will become a senior adviser to the Toyo Tire group.
Suzuki, currently CEO and president of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas, will succeed Hawk and add the title of chairman to his current duties. Suzuki will continue in his role as corporate officer.
Toyo did not say who, if anyone, will assume Hawk's other duties.
Kiyohito Hasumi also has been appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas. Hasumi served as the unit's senior vice president from 2017-18, and president of both Toyo Tire Canada Inc. and Nitto Tire Canada Inc. from 2014-16.
Hawk has been a fixture in the tire industry with a career spanning more than 45 years and various roles with Continental Tire, General Tire, Yokohama and Toyo.
Toyo recruited him to oversee its first manufacturing facility in North America, located in White, which has expanded many times since it opened in 2005. He was named Rubber & Plastics News' 2013 Executive of the Year for his leadership in helping the Japanese-based tire manufacturer build its operations in North America.