Pune, February 12, 2023 – In an air of change that’s more refreshing than the scent of new tires, Bridgestone India, a heavyweight in the global tire arena and a champion of sustainable mobility, has declared Hiroshi Yoshizane as its new managing director, ready to steer the company into its next lap of innovation and growth. Yoshizane, who is cruising in from Bridgestone Japan after serving in various high-octane leadership roles, will take the wheel from Stefano Sanchini. Sanchini is gearing up to speed off to Europe as the new VP Consumer Replacement, leaving behind a trail of achievements and rubber burns of progress in India.
Yoshizane’s pit stop in India comes at a pivotal turn in Bridgestone Corporation’s race around global reorganization, marking the country under the Eastern circuit as part of BSAPIC – a supercharged SBU (Strategic Business Unit) that includes Asia Pacific, India, & China. This strategic realignment banks on the shared consumer vibes and market dynamics across these territories, with Bridgestone looking to accelerate growth and drive deeper into these markets.
Revving his engines, Hiroshi Yoshizane shared his enthusiasm about joining the Indian crew, acknowledging India’s fast-lane trajectory in the automotive sector, ripe with opportunities and the kind of challenges that make for an exciting race. “India’s roadmap is uniquely thrilling, and I’m here to navigate through its opportunities and challenges alongside our partners and the dynamic Bridgestone team, ensuring we cross the finish line together in serving our customers, vehicle manufacturers, and the wider community,” Yoshizane commented, signaling his readiness to shift gears into high performance.
Stefano Sanchini, handing over the keys, reflected on his rewarding journey in India, highlighting the vibrant diversity and complexity of the Indian market as unparalleled. “My tenure here has been a rollercoaster of learning and achievements. I’m confident that the insights gained will turbocharge my journey ahead. A big shout-out to the Bridgestone family and our partners for their support and collaboration. With the team’s drive and determination, I have no doubt that Bridgestone India will continue to race ahead, maximizing every opportunity that 2024 has in store,” Sanchini said, echoing the sentiment of a team poised for victory.
Sanchini, who took the helm in January 2023, led Bridgestone India to hit the gas on achievements, celebrating milestones like the production of the hundredth million tire at its Indore plant and the Pune plant’s eco-friendly green flag for being carbon neutral. With Yoshizane now in the driver’s seat, Bridgestone India is all set to burn rubber and leave a mark on the track of sustainable mobility and innovation.
