Petaling Jaya, 30 June 2008 - Bridgestone Tyre Sales (M) Sdn Bhd recently organized an Appreciation Night in honour of its former Managing Director, Yoshiaki Hiraishi and the welcoming of its new Managing Director, Takashi Aoki.

An estimated 350 dealers, business partners and media members attended the function at Holiday Villa Subang.

President of Bridgestone Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Shojiro Hara, in his address attributed the company's progress to the former Managing Director's business acumen, dedication and leadership. Hiraishi has in over 3 years since he first came to Malaysia, helped to develop the Bridgestone family channels of PRO-Shops, Truck Tyre Centres, Retread Partners and Fleet Points, AutoCare & tyre, and launched Bridgestone's global road safety initiative themed "Think Before You Drive".

Hiraishi will take up his new post in Moscow from July as the new General Director of Bridgestone CIS LLC.

Bridgestone Malaysia's new Managing Director has been working with overseas department in Egypt and Hong Kong since he joined Bridgestone in 1988. Prior to his appointment to Malaysia, Aoki was the Manager of Asia & Oceania Operation in Bridgestone Headquarters in Japan.

Despite today's tough business environment, the company President is confident that by leveraging on Aoki's expertise and past experience, the new Managing Director will strengthen Bridgestone Family Channel, Brand Development and Corporate Social Responsibility for the Malaysian market.