Yokohama Tire Corporation announced on May 3, 2002 the hiring of Arthur Michalik to head its marketing communications department. As director of marketing communications, Michalik will work closely with Yokohama Tire Corporation management and the parent company, Yokohama Rubber Company, on launching new products and managing the marketing activities for the United States. Activities include market research, advertising, sales promotion, public relations, sales support, direct marketing and merchandising. Michalik brings more than a decade of tire industry experience from Bridgestone/Firestone to the department, including retail merchandising and brand marketing activities. Michalik joined Yokohama from TDC Communications, an advertising agency in Ontario, CA, where he directed the agency's activities for clients including TRD U.S.A., Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Kia Motors, Fleetwood Enterprises, and Wynn Oil Company. Yokohama Tire Corporation manufactures, markets and distributes a complete line of products for high performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications.