Yokohama Europe has appointed Takashi Maki as chief executive officer, effective from 1 June 2026. The move elevates an executive who has served as Executive Vice President since 2023 and is intended to strengthen links between the European business and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. in Japan.
A continuity appointment for Europe
Maki’s appointment places an existing senior European executive at the head of Yokohama Europe GmbH. Yokohama Rubber confirmed that he has moved from Associate Officer and Executive Vice President of Yokohama Europe GmbH to Associate Officer and CEO of the same business.
The company said the appointment marks “another important step” in its long-term growth plans and continued investment in the European market. In practical terms, that makes the change both a leadership move and a signal of closer regional alignment with Japan.
Why the timing matters
The appointment comes as Yokohama continues to build its European and off-highway position. Tyre News has previously reported on Yokohama Rubber’s acquisition of a Romanian mining tyre plant, which added local capacity in Europe for industrial tyre production.
That move was followed by further Tyre News coverage of Yokohama Rubber’s Romanian off-the-road tyre production expansion, linked to wider mining and construction tyre supply plans.
The broader group has also reported stronger performance from recent acquisitions. Tyre News reported in August 2025 that Yokohama Rubber posted record first-half results and lifted its full-year outlook after consolidating Goodyear’s off-the-road tyre business from the first quarter.
A clearer regional role
For European tyre distributors, fleets and specialist operators, the leadership change matters because Yokohama is treating Europe as a more significant operating region. Stronger coordination between European management and the Japanese
📌 Yokohama Europe Promotes Takashi Maki to CEO (Raver)
🏢 Tyre News Media
📍 Raver
Reply to this offer
Impress this employer describing Your skills and abilities, fill out the form below and leave Your personal touch in the presentation letter.