TBC Corporation (TBC) announced Sam Kato as the company’s new president and chief executive officer. Kato, who served as TBC’s chief administrative officer for the last two years, replaces Laurent Bourrut, who is retiring after completing his assignment. The promotion of Kato will position the company for strategic growth amid the evolution of the tire industry, TBC said. Bourrut will remain an executive advisor to Kato and TBC.

“We are grateful for Laurent’s leadership and vision during his tenure at TBC,” said Scott Clark, TBC board of directors member. “We wish him well in his retirement and believe that the foundation he established for the company is in fact a launch pad for the future of TBC. Sam Kato has been helping steer TBC throughout this period, and we look forward to working with him to deliver our strategic objectives.”

Kato is a veteran of global automotive businesses for more than 30 years. He served as a director of the board of TBC Corporation from 2015 until 2018 when he was leading Sumitomo Corporation of Americas transportation businesses. Kato was an instrumental part of the Sumitomo leadership team that formed a strategic 50/50 joint venture with Michelin North America, Inc., in 2018 to create the current TBC Corporation. As TBC’s first chief administrative officer, Kato maintained responsibility for legal and compliance, human resources, IT, digital, corporate strategy and communications.

His appointment by the TBC Board of Directors to president and chief executive follows a strategic plan developed in collaboration with Bourrut, TBC said.