TOKYO, Japan, December 8, 2015 – Nippon Goodyear today announced that veteran tire industry executive Yujiro Kanahara has been named president of the company.

Kanahara joins Goodyear following a 36 year career with Bridgestone Corporation where he served in executive leadership roles in Japan and key markets around the world prior to his retirement from the company in 2014.

“We are delighted to have Kanahara-san join our company in this key leadership role as we begin a new chapter for Goodyear in Japan,” said Dan Smytka, president, Goodyear Asia Pacific. “His deep tire industry experience and proven track record of building strong customer relationships will help us capitalize on the significant opportunities to grow our presence in one of the world’s key automotive markets.”

Kanahara succeeds Dale Brackin, who has successfully served as interim president during the transition period since October when Goodyear reacquired the Nippon Goodyear business.

“I am excited to join Goodyear and honored to lead the Japan business at this important time,” said Kanahara. “Goodyear is a great company with an iconic brand, industry leading in tire technology and innovation and a proud history of serving customers in Japan over the last 63 years. This provides us with a strong foundation as we invest to build our brand and broaden product offerings in Japan in the years ahead.”

Organized in 1952, Nippon Goodyear sells domestically produced and imported Goodyear-brand tires in the replacement and original equipment markets. Its affiliate, Nippon Giant Tire, produces off-road tires for earthmovers and heavy equipment at a factory in Tatsuno. Goodyear also markets and distributes aviation tires in Japan.