CYPRESS, Calif. – Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has hired Lori Simonelli as senior director of technical services. Simonelli is a 28-year veteran of the tire industry, most recently working as a consultant for RAM Key Consultants, specializing in design troubleshooting, technical and quality process technology.

Previously, Simonelli worked for 27 years at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. With a career focused on new product development, she served as a project manager for consumer products in North America, and was a project manager overseeing technical and quality for consumer tire sourcing. Simonelli also held the position of manager of consumer tire design. Her product development experience includes passenger, SUV, light truck, medium commercial truck, race and aircraft tires.

Simonelli has a degree in mechanical engineering from Cleveland State University, Fenn College of Engineering. In 2009, she was awarded Order of the Engineer in Link 1, and has received awards for professional excellence by organizations such as YWCA.

“We are proud to announce Lori Simonelli as our newest member of Team Toyo,” said Yasushi Takagi, president and CEO, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. “Ms. Simonelli brings valuable management and new product development experience to our company.”