July 6, 2000 - NASHVILLE, TN Bridgestone/Firestone Announces Retirement of Kenji Shibata Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. has announced that, after 39 years of combined service with Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. ("BFS" ) and Bridgestone Corporation, parent company of BFS, Kenji Shibata, President of Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., elected to retire effective June 30, 2000. Shibata, 61, graduated from Kyushu University with a bachelor of arts degree in law and joined Bridgestone Tire Company (now known as Bridgestone Corporation) in 1961. During his long tenure with the Bridgestone group of companies, he has served in many capacities, including Manager of the London representative office, General Manager International Industrial Products Department, and General Manager Industrial Rubber and Plastic Sales Department. In 1991, he joined BFS in Akron, Ohio and was elected a member of the Board of Directors and President of Bridgestone/Firestone in 1993. Shibata has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Bridgestone Corporation. Masatoshi Ono, Chairman and CEO of BFS, said: "Shibata-san has been a valued friend and associate to all of us. His leadership has helped make us great strides in our sales and marketing areas, in particular, and I'm sure that many of our customers will also miss him. We wish him and his wife Noriko good health and much happiness in retirement." At this time and until further notice, the corporate duties of the office of President will be assumed by Ono. Nashville, Tennessee based Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. is the largest subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation of Japan, the world's largest tire and rubber manufacturer. Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and private brand tires. The company also produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles. Back to News Page