Akihito Ishii has been appointed as the new managing director of Bridgestone manufacturing and sales companies in Thailand succeeding Keiji Chuma, effective July 8, 2024.
Chuma will return to Bridgestone Corporation Japan and assume the role of the director at the G-MICA Tire Solution Business Development.
According to a press release from Bridgestone Thailand, Chuma has been a valuable leader and contributor for almost four years since he joined Thai Bridgestone Co Ltd and Bridgestone Sales (Thailand) Co Ltd in 2020.
Chuma helped launch the company’s ‘Culture Transformation’ project to drive executives and teammates to achieve corporate vision and build up strong corporate DNA, the release stated. He also led business reformations, especially in manufacturing footprint, sales channel reinforcement, retail, and retread areas.
Meanwhile, Ishii began his career at Bridgestone Corporation Japan in 1990. He has expertise in marketing, commercial and retread tire businesses, supply chain management and global marketing strategies across Japan, South Africa, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Belgium, China, Indonesia, Singapore, and Taiwan.
Ishii is expected to lead the companies towards Bridgestone Group’s mid-term business plan from 2024 to 2026 by focusing on value co-creation in line with the business shaping scenario while continuing to Bridgestone as a sustainable premium brand.
“I am truly honored to be part of Bridgestone’s management team in Thailand and to carry forward the business initiatives led by Mr. Keiji Chuma. I am dedicated to building the foundation with a “Passion for Excellence” to provide value creation not only in terms of customer values on developing innovative and premium products, services, and solutions,” he said.
“But I also strive to provide social values through sustainable initiatives to achieve carbon emission goals and promote circular economy across the entire value chain,” Ishii added.
He said in Thailand, Bridgestone possesses significant resources and management capabilities, encompassing material sourcing, R&D, tire manufacturing, logistics and a strong distribution network.
“Leveraging these strengths, I will ensure Bridgestone’s contributions in elevating sustainable mobility in Thai society. With regard to building a sustainable premium brand by localizing global motorsports into the Thai market, ” he said.