US-based Yokohama Tire has appointed Pavan Desaneni as its new vice president of information technology (IT). A 20-year IT veteran, Desaneni replaces Wasi Ahmed and reports to Tom Masuguchi, Yokohama executive vice president and CFO.
Desaneni, who graduated from Osmania University with a degree in Computer Science, joined Yokohama in 2014 as senior manager, Enterprise Architect & Platform, after previously working as IT manager at Ventura Foods and as a senior systems engineer at Pharmavite LLC. He was then promoted to director, Enterprise Architect & Platform before ascending to VP.
“Pavan has proven himself time and again, having been instrumental in our recent IT infrastructure overhaul,” said Masuguchi. “He’s a highly skilled and knowledgeable IT executive who will oversee the future phases of our digital transformation.”
Meanwhile, Yokohama has adopted a motorsport theme for its return to the SEMA Show. The 2019 edition of the aftermarket event takes place November 5-8 in Las Vegas, Nevada. New UHP and truck tires, race cars and action sports star Travis Pastrana, will feature at the booth just outside South Hall.
“Racing, both on- and off-road, has been a hallmark for Yokohama – it’s in our DNA,” said Andrew Briggs, Yokohama’s VP of marketing and product management. “We’re looking forward to vividly presenting our storied racing legacy, rich heritage and all-new product line-up to the worldwide trade audience and car enthusiasts who attend.”
