AGC Appoints New President, Senior VPs at AGC North America; Reports "Disappointing" Financial Performance
June 17, 2010

Asahi Glass Company Ltd. (AGC) has named Marehisa Ishiko as the new president and chief executive officer of AGC Glass Company North America (AGNA). He succeeds Brad Kitterman.

In addition, the company also has appointed the following at AGNA: Kenzo Moriyama as executive vice president of strategic planning; Kazu Sako as senior vice president and chief financial officer, succeeding Ryne Van Gorp; and Mike Vigna, vice president, human resources, who succeeds Lisa Escobar.

"AGNA's financial performance has been disappointing over an extended period of time - even taking into account the economic downturn," says Akio Endo, AGC senior executive vice president and president of AGC Glass Company, which oversees all of the AGC's glass businesses worldwide. "AGC is a world leader in glass production, and we are determined to be a leader in North America. We are fully committed to this end, and will leverage our global resources to achieve the full potential of our businesses here. The assignment of these proven and talented executives is, in itself, a strong statement of our commitment."

Ishiko joins AGNA from AGC Japan, where he served as president of AGC Glass Company for the Japan/Asia Pacific region. He has 28 years of experience with various AGC companies, including diverse experience in all phases of the flat and auto glass businesses.

"There is great opportunity for AGNA," says Ishiko. "We have a very strong team of people who understand this business and want their company to excel."

Both Moriyama and Sako also are 28-year veterans of AGC. Moriyama most recently served as general manager of planning and strategy for AGC Glass Company Japan/Asia Pacific. Sako most recently served in a dual role in AGC's Finance and Control Office, where he headed up the finance area and also led the planning and coordination for that office. He has worked twice before for AGC Automotive Americas.

Ishiko, Moriyama, and Sako have re-located to the United States to fill their new positions. Both Kitterman and Escobar have left the company.

Vigna has been with AGC for 10 years. He was most recently with AGC America (AGNA's parent company) as North American regional vice president of human resources. He now also will be responsible for all human resources for AGNA and its subsidiaries. Earlier in his career he was head of human resources for AGC Automotive Americas.

Marehisa Ishiko	Kenzo Moriyama	Kazu Sako	Mike Vigna

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