Following the acquisition of Alliance Tire Group by Yokohama Rubber Corp. earlier this year, ATG has announced organizational changes that reflect the realignments in effect.

Toru Nakamura has been appointed chief technical officer. In this position he will head ATG’s R&D and project management functions, and also drive activities related to procurement, technical, production and sourcing functions.

Vidit Jain has been promoted to chief technology and R&D, and named to ATG’s management committee. Jain reports to Nakamura, and is responsible for product development, plant technology and field technical support globally.

Dhaval Nanavati has been named as president, Latin America, and will lead ATG’s independent business unit in Central and South America. Nanavati will report directly to the CEO and be based at Alliance Tire Americas’ headquarters in Wakefield, Mass. He will also continue to handle aftermarket sales for some parts of North America as senior vice president for ATA. He will also report to ATA President James Clark.

Angelo Noronha, current chief of aftermarket sales for Europe has been promoted to president, APAC and MEA, a vertical structure that covers markets in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, India, the Middle East and Africa. He will assume his new role Jan. 1, 2017.

“These changes in the technical department will help us seamlessly integrate ATG and YRC best practices to evolve as a much stronger player in R&D and new product development,” said Yogesh Mahansaria, CEO of ATG. “The changes to the regional sales verticals are aimed to strengthen our presence in the Latin American, APAC and MEA markets. Both Angelo and Dhaval have proven their mettle in the toughest of markets, and I am sure they will take ATG to higher levels in their new roles.”