Jeff Barna, president of Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC), also will become the company's CEO on March 30. Shinichi Takimoto, whom Barna will replace as CEO of YTC, will remain chairman of the company, as well as president and CEO of Yokohama Corporation of North America.
In addition, Takimoto will retain his position as chairman of Yokohama Tire Canada Inc., as well as chairman of Yokohama Tire Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (Takimito also is a senior managing officer of Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., parent company of YTC.)
Barna, also a managing officer of Yokohama Rubber, joined YTC as its COO in 2017 and was named president of YTC in 2018.
This latest move gives Barna greater oversight of YTC’s U.S.-based operations, including the Yokohama Development Center America (YDCA) in Cornelius, N.C.
“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue to lead Yokohama in the U.S.,” says Barna. “Our parent company has recognized us as a driver of global growth for our consolidated operations and that is exactly what we intend to do.
"I’m very much looking forward to officially increasing my involvement with the product and innovation agenda of YDCA and confident that the team we have assembled throughout the country has us in a great position to reach our goals.”
In related news, Takehisa Morimoto is the new chairman and president of Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi (YTMM). Morimoto, who formerly held a role at Yokohama’s consumer tire plant in Salem, Va., and is currently president of Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Thailand, replaces Hikomitsu Noji, who will return to Yokohama Rubber as a senior advisor.
Tom Kenny, currently senior director of research and development at YDCA, has been promoted to vice president of YDCA. Kenny will now report directly to Barna.
And Jeremy Kahrs has been promoted to senior director of technical services at YDCA from director of technical services. Kahrs will continue to report to Tom Kenny.
“I’d like to personally welcome Mr. Morimoto back to the U.S.," says Barna. "I know he’ll be a great fit and is ready to lead YTMM. I’d also like to congratulate Tom and Jeremy on their well-deserved promotions at YDCA. I’ve had the pleasure of working with both of them the last few years and am excited about their ongoing leadership of YDCA.”