Düsseldorf, June 1st 2026 – YOKOHAMA Europe announces the appointment of Takashi Maki as new Chief Executive Officer, marking another important step in the Company’s long-term growth strategy and its continued investment in the European market.
Since 2023, Takashi Maki, Executive Vice President of Yokohama Europe, has played a key role in driving business growth and strengthening synergies with The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. in Japan. His appointment comes at a significant moment for YOKOHAMA in Europe. Over the last three years, the Company has reinforced its premium positioning, expanded its local presence and accelerated its transformation journey, further strengthening Europe’s role within YOKOHAMA’s global strategy.
While YOKOHAMA has traditionally appointed executives from its Japanese headquarters to lead its European operations, the company has recently increasingly favored senior European leaders. The appointment of Takashi Maki, however, should not be seen as a return to the past, but rather as a recognition of his outstanding contribution to the European business in recent years. He has played a key role in driving growth, combining strong strategic vision with a proven ability to foster integration, collaboration, and trust across international teams within the whole group.
“Over the last years, Takashi Maki has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a deep commitment to the European organization’’ said Gregorio Borgo, President of Yokohama Europe and Managing Officer of Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. “His contribution has helped create stronger alignment between Europe and Japan, while supporting the development of a solid and forward-looking business environment. His appointment reflects continuity, confidence and ambition for the future.”
“I am honored to take on this role at such an important moment for YOKOHAMA in Europe” said Takashi Maki. “In recent years we have built strong momentum together, thanks to the passion of our teams, the trust of our customers and the support of our partners. Europe has enormous potential, and I look forward to continuing this journey with energy, ambition, and a truly global mindset.”
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Founded in Japan in 1917, YOKOHAMA Rubber Company has built extensive expertise across multiple industrial sectors, including tyres, hydraulic hoses and couplings, conveyor belts, marine products and aerospace components. The Company offers a comprehensive range of tyres for all seasons and vehicle categories, including passenger cars, SUVs, crossovers, vans, motorcycles, trucks, buses and off-road vehicles, as well as dedicated solutions for light, commercial and professional transport applications.
YOKOHAMA’s consumer tyre business is focused on growth through high value-added products, driven by its flagship ADVAN brand, synonymous with high performance, and GEOLANDAR, specifically developed for SUVs and pick-up vehicles. Motorsport plays a central role in this strategy, serving as a platform for the development and transfer of advanced technologies into commercial products.
Under its current medium-term management plan, YOKOHAMA continues to strengthen its regional product strategies, delivering tailored solutions designed to meet the specific needs and market trends of each region worldwide.
