NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 30, 2006) - Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH), together with its parent company, Tokyo-based Bridgestone Corporation, today announced senior management changes that affect the finance departments of both companies. The companies stated that Akira Nozawa, currently BSAH’s chief financial officer and executive vice president, will be promoted to vice president and chief financial officer, finance, procurement and IT & network, of the parent company effective June 30. Shoji Mizuochi, Bridgestone Corporation’s current CFO, will join BSAH effective June 30 as that company’s vice chairman and CFO, and will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors of Bridgestone.

According to Mark A. Emkes, BSAH Chairman and CEO, “The changes announced today underscore the importance of Bridgestone Americas to the overall business and strategy of Bridgestone Corporation. The assignment of Mr. Mizuochi, a very senior level executive, to BSAH reflects the fact that Bridgestone believes its global family of companies must maintain a leadership position in the Americas to be truly successful in the worldwide marketplace.”

Mizuochi, who has more than 35 years experience with Bridgestone Corporation, began his career as an accountant at the company’s Kurume plant after graduating from Waseda University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law. He has held positions of increasing responsibility in both the corporate headquarters and at the business unit level, including general manager in the steel cord business and director of Bridgestone’s finance division. He was promoted to his current position in 2005 and is responsible for the finance, purchasing and IT areas.

Nozawa is a company veteran with more than 33 years of service. Following his graduation from Keio University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, he joined Bridgestone as an accounting analyst in international operations. The majority of his assignments have been in the treasury area, moving up through the ranks to assume the corporate treasurer position in 1997. In 2000, Nozawa joined Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. (a predecessor to BSAH) as CFO, executive vice president and treasurer. Speaking about Nozawa, Emkes said “While we will miss Nozawa-san, who has been a friend as well as a significant contributor to our company’s progress, we are excited for him and the opportunities that await him in his new position.