Bridgestone, the Japanese tire manufacturer, has named Hiroshi Yoshizane as the new Managing Director for its Indian operations, succeeding Stefano Sanchini. Sanchini is transitioning to the role of VP of Consumer Replacement for Europe. This marks the third change in leadership for Bridgestone's India operations in just over a year, with Sanchini taking over in January of the previous year from Parag Satpute.
Yoshizane, formerly associated with Bridgestone Japan as the executive vice president of solution business, retail, and service business in Bridgestone Tire Solution Japan Co Ltd, highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian market. He underscored the unique opportunities and challenges in India's automotive sector, poised for growth in both numbers and technology.
This appointment aligns with Bridgestone Corporation's global restructuring of Bridgestone East and West. India will now be integrated into BSAPIC (Bridgestone Asia Pacific India China) as a single Strategic Business Unit (SBU). This strategic move recognizes the shared consumer sentiments in these geographies, allowing Bridgestone to capitalize on synergies and intensify its efforts in developing these markets further.