Toyo Tires USA has appointed John Thomas as its next president and chief executive officer (CEO). The company says that Thomas brings more than 30 years’ automotive experience to the role, including extensive knowledge of the North American OEM and aftermarket landscape. His last position was in a completely different industry sector, serving as president and CEO of Webasto Charging Systems, based in Monrovia, CA.
Thomas will report to Tatsuo Mitsuhata, chairman of the board of Toyo Tires USA. Based in Toyo’s global headquarters in Japan, Mitsuhata is also a director and corporate officer of Toyo Tires Corporation and vice president of the sales headquarters.
“I am pleased to welcome John Thomas as the president and CEO of Toyo Tires in America,” commented Mitsuhata. “With his experience in leading dynamic, growing companies as well as his experience in EV, I am confident John is the right person for this critical role in our most significant market. He will continue our aggressive USA growth plans while maintaining the culture within the company and the commitment to our tire dealers that make Toyo Tires so special.”
All departments at Toyo Tires, including sales, finance, pricing and planning, marketing, and product planning and technical services will report directly to Thomas.
“I am thrilled to join the elite team at Toyo Tires and drive further advancements of our core business, culture, customer service and industry reputation,” said Thomas. “Toyo Tires has created a strong brand that enables us and our partners to uniquely position ourselves in the market. My commitment is to build on this tradition of excellence, bringing innovative solutions that ultimately set our channel partners and the Toyo Tires team on a course of continued growth and success.”
Thomas succeeds Roy Bromfield who will retire in July after nearly nine years with Toyo Tires and 37 years in the tire industry. Bromfield will serve as an advisor to Toyo Tires at least through the end of 2021.
