From Tire Review

On May 31, Bridgestone Corp. announced that its board of directors has approved a number of top-level management changes, to become effective July 1.

Hideo (Hank) Hara, who served as executive vice president, tire development and technology with Bridgestone America at its Akron Technical Center until returning to Japan in mid-October 2006, is to assume the position of vice president and officer, OE tire sales. His role prior to July 1 is that of vice president and officer, OE tire sales and motorsport.

Other changes are as follows:

• Akira Nozawa has taken on the role of vice president and officer, chief financial officer, finance and IT and network;

• Hideki Yokoyama has been appointed to the position of vice president and officer, quality;

• Hiroshi Yamaguchi has been appointed vice president and officer, safety and environment and motorsport;

• Mikio Masunaga has been appointed to the role of vice president and officer, tire research and material development.