Andrew Briggs is now director of product planning for Yokohama Tire Corp.

Fullerton, Calif.-based Yokohama Tire Corp. last week announced several strategic management promotions, effective immediately.

“These organizational changes are part of our progressive effort to continually improve the service we provide to our dealers and deliver the best products to the market,” said Dan King, Yokohama senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Andrew Briggs was promoted from senior manager of motorsports to director of product planning. “Andrew has a strong track record at YTC,” said King. “His contributions to Yokohama’s growth have been tremendous and his diverse experience in product planning, motorsports and sales puts him in a unique position to strongly understand what the market needs. I am confident his leadership will make Yokohama even more competitive.”

Briggs will maintain his responsibility for motorsports, while adding the consumer product planning group to his expanded list of duties.

Lynn Sweeney was promoted from manager, marketing communications to senior manager, marketing communications. In addition, Sweeney will be responsible for POS strategies and dealer communications platforms with an emphasis on the consumer business.

Former western zone manager, consumer sales division, Larry Kull was promoted to national sales manager, consumer division. In the new position, Kull will oversee two key Yokohama accounts. Kull will also focus on forecasting, pricing and strategic goals.

Heather Kirkland, previously an account manager for the eastern region, is now senior account manager.

Ken Hsu was promoted from account manager, western region, to manager, dealer programs. His responsibilities include evaluating and developing marketing programs for YTC dealers, including YTC’s Advantage program.

Jim Nasoulis, previously corporate zone manager, has been named business development manager. His responsibilities include handling buying group accounts and OE programs.

Charlie Smith was promoted from account manager to the newly created position of national sales trainer, Consumer Division. Smith’s responsibilities include providing ongoing sales education and support to the field.

Yokohama Tire Corp. is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company of premium tires since 1917.