Toyo executive Carlos (Shozo) Kibata has died at age 64 following a short illness.
Kibata, a veteran of more than 41 years experience with the Toyo organization, was the chairman of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas, Inc. and until recently was a corporate officer of the Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. in Japan.
Kibata joined the company in 1969, and following positions of increasing responsibility in Japan, he assumed his first U.S. assignment with the Toyo Tire USA Corp. sales department from 1978 to 1986.
After returning to Tokyo, he became general manager of the International Overseas Division from 1993 to 1996. He then returned to North America as president of Toyo Tire Canada, Inc. from 1996 to 1999.
Kibata took the helm of Toyo USA in 1999, as president. In 2008, Kibata established Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas and was its first president. He was also instrumental in forming Toyo Tires’ state-of-the-art tire manufacturing plant in White, Ga. in 2004 as the founding president of Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing, Inc. He also played an important role in the integration and growth of the Nitto Tire unit within the U.S. division.
Kibata was also active outside of his official corporate roles, having previously served as president of the Japan Business Association of Southern California.
“Kibata was an inspirational leader, taking Team Toyo to a leadership position in the U.S. market,” according to company leaders. “He grew the Toyo brand market share significantly during his tenure, through the introduction of leading-edge products, the strengthening of customer relationships, and creation of a U.S. manufacturing base.”
Executives note that the staff “will always cherish the fond memories of Mr. Kibata and his legacy. He will be deeply missed.”
For more information, visit www.toyotires.com.
