TBC Corporation (TBC) announced the appointment of the company’s new president and chief executive officer, Don Byrd. Byrd, who currently serves as TBC’s chief strategy and marketing officer, will replace Sam Kato, effective May 1.

Kato, who was appointed to position TBC for growth and evolution, will return to Sumitomo, one of TBC’s shareholders. 

Byrd’s appointment by the TBC Board of Directors to president and chief executive officer is a natural transition for TBC and follows a strategic plan developed in collaboration with Kato, TBC Corporation said.

Byrd joined TBC in April 2018 as executive vice president, TBC and president & COO, National Tire Wholesale (NTW). He was soon named president, TBC purchasing and assumed additional responsibilities as chief marketing and strategy officer. Prior to joining TBC, Byrd served as the COO and president of Tire Centers Incorporated (TCi), LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Michelin North America, Inc.

“Don Byrd has worked hand-in-hand with Sam and the other members of TBC’s executive leadership team to build out the company’s current winning strategy,” said Kei Kubota, TBC Corporation board member. “TBC is well-positioned for continued growth, and we look forward to collaborating with Don to help propel the company to even greater heights. We are grateful for Sam’s exceptional leadership and dedication to TBC’s transformation, particularly over the past year, while serving as the company’s president and CEO.”