On the Release of Bridgestone s First Corporate Governance Code Report

Transcription

1 The following is the text of the original CEO message as released accompanying the first Corporate Governance Code Report issued in 2016 On the Release of Bridgestone s First Corporate Governance Code Report The Bridgestone Corporation, as part of its efforts in working towards the achievement of its ultimate goal of becoming a truly global company and of being Dan-Totsu in all aspects of its business, is in the process of further enhancing its corporate governance. This process of enhancement and reform has been implemented on an ongoing basis since the company was first established in order to respond over time to the changing conditions and issues deemed important, and in order to ensure that the quality of management and the transparency of decision making processes was constantly improved. Commencing with the inclusion in 2010 of Independent Non-Executive members to the Board of Directors, and continuing to this day with the establishment of a range of discretionary board advisory committees, auditing structures, the enhancement of management objectivity by the introduction of the Global Executive Committee, and the adoption of the Company with Nominating Committee, etc. model of corporate governance in March 2016, over the past five years. Bridgestone has implemented a comprehensive restructuring of its governance policies and procedures. It is our intention to fully employ this governance structure in order to further strengthen internal controls, promote timely decision making, and continue to realize the ever more effective and efficient planning and execution of our business activities. Starting with this report, Bridgestone will use the Corporate Governance Code as a new tool for evaluating our governance policies and systems and communicating our approach and progress in their achievement to our stakeholders. On behalf of everyone here at Bridgestone, I thank you for your ongoing support and understanding and look forward to hearing your response to this report and your evaluation of our efforts to date as we strive to create a company that we can all be proud of. September 2016 Masaaki Tsuya Member of the Board CEO and Representative Executive Officer Concurrently Chairman of the Board Bridgestone Corporation

2 Since adopting a new corporate governance structure in accordance with the Company with Nominating Committee etc. Model in 2016, Bridgestone has continued to enhance its governance structures and their performance. As a result of this ongoing process, this year s report has been updated to explain progress achieved in the area of CSR activities under General Principle 2-2 ( Code of Conduct ) and revisions made to the procedures used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Board of Directors under General Principle 4-11 ( Roles and Responsibilities of the Board ). Section 1: Securing the Rights and Equal Treatment of Shareholders General Principle 1 Companies should take appropriate measures to fully secure shareholder rights and develop an environment in which shareholders can exercise their rights appropriately and effectively. In addition, companies should secure effective equal treatment of shareholders. Given their particular sensitivities, adequate consideration should be given to the issues and concerns of minority shareholders and foreign shareholders for the effective exercise of shareholder rights and effective equal treatment of shareholders. The Company recognizes that it is essential for the sustainable development of the business to collaborate with various stakeholders and that our shareholders constitute our primary stakeholder. Based on this understanding, the Company strives to develop an environment wherein shareholders can adequately exercise their rights by providing them with a wide variety of information and opportunities to exercise their rights. Moreover, the Company endeavors to secure the rights of minority and foreign shareholders and thereby seeks to secure the substantive equality of the rights of all shareholders. Principle 1.1 Securing the Rights of Shareholders Companies should take appropriate measures to fully secure shareholder rights, including voting rights at the general shareholder meeting. The Company endeavors to ensure the rights of shareholders by managing operations in order to ensure timely disclosure of not only statutory disclosure documents but also of other information in both Japanese and English, by conducting the Annual General Shareholders Meeting in a manner such that the voting rights of all shareholders can be exercised effectively, and by ensuring adequate time and opportunity for dialogue between management and shareholders. Supplementary Principle When the board recognizes that a considerable number of votes have been cast against a proposal by the company and the proposal was approved, it should analyze the reasons behind opposing votes 1

3 and why many shareholders opposed, and should consider the need for shareholder dialogue and other measures. Based upon the understanding that the Annual General Shareholders Meeting is the Company s highest decision-making body, the Company takes the results of shareholders execution of their voting rights as an important indication of their intent. The Board of Directors therefore formally analyses the reasons and causes for proposals where the total votes in opposition exceed 20%. Supplementary Principle When proposing to shareholders that certain powers of the shareholders meeting be delegated to the board, companies should consider whether the board is adequately constituted to fulfill its corporate governance roles and responsibilities. If a company determines that the board is indeed adequately constituted, then it should recognize that such delegation may be desirable from the perspectives of agile decision-making and expertise in business judgment. In order to further promote the separation between the executive and supervisory functions and further strengthen the supervisory role of the board, the Company has adopted the Company with Nominating Committee, etc. model of corporate governance. Moreover, in addition to establishing the committees legally required under this model, the Company has established a Governance Committee comprised entirely of Independent External Directors, all of whom meet the Company s benchmark for independence (hereinafter referred to as Independent Directors ). The Governance Committee serves as an advisory body to the Board of Directors with the objective of ensuring that the Company maintains the structures and processes needed to ensure appropriate levels of governance. The Articles of Incorporation currently stipulate that the Board of Directors is responsible for decisions such as determining the level of interim dividend payouts. In the event of further such delegations of authority by the General Shareholders Meeting to the Board of Directors, the Company will continue to enhance its structures and procedures of governance in order to discharge these responsibilities while ensuring the necessary levels of expertise in, and timeliness of, its decision making. Supplementary Principle Given the importance of shareholder rights, companies should ensure that the exercise of shareholder rights is not impeded. In particular, adequate consideration should be given to the special rights that are recognized for minority shareholders with respect to companies and their officers, including the right to seek an injunction against illegal activities or the right to file a shareholder lawsuit, since the exercise of these rights tend to be prone to issues and concerns. 2

4 The Company has established a Share Handling Regulations which formally stipulates procedures for the exercising of the rights of minority shareholders and any other procedures in relation to shares in order to ensure that shareholders are able to exercise their rights in full. Principle 1.2 Exercise of Shareholder Rights at General Shareholder Meetings Companies should recognize that general shareholder meetings are an opportunity for constructive dialogue with shareholders, and should therefore take appropriate measures to ensure the exercise of shareholder rights at such meetings. The Company has and will continue to make every effort to ensure that shareholders are provided with the services and support necessary to ensure that they are able to exercise their rights at the General Shareholders Meeting including such measures as scheduling the Meeting to avoid clashing with the peak period for holding General Shareholders Meetings in Japan, early dispatch of proxy statements, provision of an online voting platform, and provision of information in English. Supplementary Principle Companies should provide accurate information to shareholders as necessary in order to facilitate appropriate decision-making at general shareholder meetings. Taking the requests from shareholders into consideration, the Company attempts to provide clear and relevant information to shareholders in a manner intended to facilitate their decision making. This includes providing more comprehensive information regarding candidates for board membership and publishing the Guidelines for Determining the Independence of Board Members, and including forecasts on earnings in the financial report. Supplementary Principle While ensuring the accuracy of content, companies should strive to send convening notices for general shareholder meetings early enough to give shareholders sufficient time to consider the agenda. During the period between the board approval of convening the general shareholder meeting and sending the convening notice, information included in the convening notice should be disclosed by electronic means such as through TDnet 1 or on the company s website. 1 TDnet: The Tokyo Stock Exchange operates a real-time internet service (Timely Disclosure network) which distributes the information provided by listed companies on a timely basis in accordance with its listing rules. The Company strives to ensure adequate time for deliberation of Shareholders meeting agenda items by sending convening notices as early as possible and in advance of the deadline prescribed by the Companies Act in Japan. In addition, in cases where board approval is made 3

5 on proxy items before sending the convening notice, notification of such is made at the time of the decision online via the Company website. Supplementary Principle The determination of the date of the general shareholder meeting and any associated dates should be made in consideration of facilitating sufficient constructive dialogue with shareholders and ensuring the accuracy of information necessary for such dialogue. The Company strives to promote the accessibility of the General Shareholders Meeting by measures including scheduling the Meeting to avoid clashing with the peak period for holding General Shareholders Meetings in Japan. Supplementary Principle Bearing in mind the number of institutional and foreign shareholders, companies should take steps for the creation of an infrastructure allowing electronic voting, including the use of the Electronic Voting Platform, and the provision of English translations of the convening notices of general shareholder meeting. In consideration of the fact that overseas investors hold around 30% of corporate shares publicly issued (29.620% as of December 31, 2016), the Company has introduced an Electronic Voting Platform and provides convening notices in English on its corporate website along with a wide range of other material and data for investors in English. Supplementary Principle In order to prepare for cases where institutional investors who hold shares in street name express an interest in advance of the general shareholder meeting in attending the general shareholder meeting or exercising voting rights, companies should work with the trust bank (shintaku ginko) and/or custodial institutions to consider such possibility. The Articles of Incorporation of the Company restricts the exercise of voting rights at Annual Shareholders Meetings to nominee shareholders or their proxies. In consultation with the trust bank which manages the shareholders registry as the agent of the Company, and, taking into consideration both domestic and international implications, legal obligations, social trends and operational issues, the Company will continue to monitor the situation regarding the attendance of investors who are not registered on the shareholders registry. 4

6 Principle 1.3 Basic Strategy for Capital Policy Because capital policy may have a significant effect on shareholder returns, companies should explain their basic strategy with respect to their capital policy. The Company, in full recognition of the importance of the interests of shareholders, aims to strengthen the foundations of the business in order to promote future growth. As part of its basic policy for the enhancement of business performance the Company has set an annual ROE target of 12%. While maintaining levels of internal reserves sufficient to enable future investments in order to maintain growth, the Company endeavors to balance the need to maintain a strong financial position with that of ensuring an appropriate level of return to its shareholders. In overall consideration of quarterly business performance, current financial position, mid-term profitability forecasts, investment plans and cash flow, the Company strives to meet shareholder expectations for returns by setting dividends in a stable and sustainable level within a consolidated payout ratio range of between 20% to 40%. Principle 1.4 Cross-Shareholdings When companies hold shares of other listed companies as cross-shareholdings 2, they should disclose their policy with respect to doing so. In addition, the board should examine the mid- to long-term economic rationale and future outlook of major cross-shareholdings on an annual basis, taking into consideration both associated risks and returns. The annual examination should result in the board s detailed explanation of the objective and rationale behind cross-shareholdings. Companies should establish and disclose standards with respect to the voting rights as to their cross-shareholdings. 2 Cross-shareholding: There are cases where listed companies hold the shares of other listed companies for reasons other than pure investment purposes, for example, to strengthen business relationships. Cross-shareholdings here include not only mutual shareholdings but also unilateral ones. The Company maintains a policy whereby it will not hold shares in other companies other than those which are of strategic importance, necessary to maintain or enhance business partnerships, or contribute to business profitability. As part of this policy, the rationality of, and need to maintain, any such strategic holdings must be reviewed and reported to the Board of Directors on an annual basis. In exercising its voting rights for strategically held shares the Company will consider the content of proposals in terms of the investment strategy as approved by the Board in addition to their impact on enhancing profitability and sustainable business growth, corporate governance and shareholder return. 5

7 Principle 1.5 Anti-Takeover Measures Anti-takeover measures must not have any objective associated with entrenchment of the management or the board. With respect to the adoption or implementation of anti-takeover measures, the board should carefully examine their necessity and rationale in light of their fiduciary responsibility to shareholders, ensure appropriate procedures, and provide sufficient explanation to shareholders. The Company has no anti-takeover measures in place and currently has no plans to introduce any such measures. Shareholders will be fully informed in advance of the nature and reason for any such measures should they be deemed necessary in the future. Supplementary Principle In case of a tender offer, companies should clearly explain the position of the board, including any counteroffers, and should not take measures that would frustrate shareholder rights to sell their shares in response to the tender offer. In any instance where the shares of the Company are made the target of a tender offer bid the Board of Directors will clearly convey its position on such bid to its shareholders and will not act in such a manner as to interfere improperly with any shareholder in the exercising of their rights to accept any such offer. Principle 1.6 Capital Policy that May Harm Shareholder Interests With respect to a company s capital policy that results in the change of control or in significant dilution, including share offerings and management buyouts, the board should, in order not to unfairly harm the existing shareholders interests, carefully examine the necessity and rationale from the perspective of their fiduciary responsibility to shareholders, should ensure appropriate procedures, and provide sufficient explanation to shareholders. After due consideration by the Board of Directors and in accordance with appropriate procedures, the Company will provide shareholders with explanations of the rationality and need for any changes in capital policies that would result either in changes of control or significant dilution. Principle 1.7 Related Party Transactions When a company engages in transactions with its directors or major shareholders (i.e., related party transactions), in order to ensure that such transactions do not harm the interests of the company or the common interests of its shareholders and prevent any concerns with respect to such harm, the board should establish appropriate procedures beforehand in proportion to the importance and 6

8 characteristics of the transaction. In addition to their use by the board in approving and monitoring such transactions, these procedures should be disclosed. In accordance with its Regulations of the Board of Directors, the Company requires that any transactions between Directors and Executive Officers and the company or its subsidiaries, and any transactions with other corporations which may constitute a conflict of interest with the Company, must be authorized in advance and subsequently monitored by the Board of Directors. The Regulations also stipulate that Directors obtain prior approval for any transactions with corporations that hold 5% or more of the Company s total shares. The Regulations further require that the presence or absence of any such approved transactions must be reported to the Board of Directors on an annual basis. Section 2: Appropriate Cooperation with Stakeholders Other Than Shareholders General Principle 2 Companies should fully recognize that their sustainable growth and the creation of mid- to long-term corporate value are brought about as a result of the provision of resources and contributions made by a range of stakeholders, including employees, customers, business partners, creditors and local communities. As such, companies should endeavor to appropriately cooperate with these stakeholders. The board and the management should exercise their leadership in establishing a corporate culture where the rights and positions of stakeholders are respected and sound business ethics are ensured. In order to ensure sustainable growth and corporate value creation over the mid to long term, in awareness of the necessity to maintain appropriate and favorable working relationships with important stakeholders other than shareholders, such as its various external partners and communities and other entities that constitute irreplaceable assets, the Company actively participates in group-wide CSR activities aimed at the promotion of sustainability and diversity. Moreover, under the leadership of the Board and Corporate Management, each individual officer and employee of the Company is encouraged to act in accordance with the Bridgestone Essence [the statement of the Company Principles] in order to create a corporate culture in which the rights and interests of stakeholders are respected and the highest levels of business ethics are realized. Principle 2.1 Business Principles as the Foundation of Corporate Value Creation Over the Mid- to Long-Term Guided by their position concerning social responsibility, companies should undertake their 7

9 businesses in order to create value for all stakeholders while increasing corporate value over the midto long-term. To this end, companies should draft and maintain business principles that will become the basis for such activities. The Company has encapsulated its corporate philosophy as the Bridgestone Essence which it takes as the foundation of all corporate activity. Taking the founder s corporate creed of Serving Society with Superior Quality as its unchanging mission, all officers and employees of the Company are encouraged to embody the four corporate foundations encapsulated within the Essence: Seijitsu-Kyocho [Integrity and Teamwork], Shinshu-Dokuso [Creative Pioneering], Genbutsu-Genba [Decision-Making Based on Verified On-Site Observations] and Jukuryo-Danko [Decisive Action after Thorough Planning] in their everyday activities. Moreover, in order to achieve value creation beneficial to all stakeholders and enhance the creation of corporate value on the long-term the Company has introduced a global CSR initiative known as Our Way to Serve which is based upon the Bridgestone Essence and incorporates the Mission Statements on Safety, Quality and the Environment in order to serve as the foundation in the formulation and implementation of the Company s strategic mid-term business plans and as a guide to the ongoing enhancement of management structure and processes. Principle 2.2 Code of Conduct Companies should draft and implement a code of conduct for employees in order to express their values with respect to appropriate cooperation with and serving the interests of stakeholders and carrying out sound and ethical business activities. The board should be responsible for drafting and revising the code of conduct, and should ensure its compliance broadly across the organization, including the front line of domestic and global operations. In order to fulfil its responsibilities to all its stakeholders the Company has updated its Corporate Philosophy. The Company has revised its Corporate Philosophy to include its Mission Statements on Safety, Quality and the Environment and is currently actively promoting the spread and implementation of this updated Philosophy throughout its global operations. In addition to this, in 2017 the Company renewed its approach to CSR by introducing the Our Way to Serve policy which is currently being introduced globally. Our Way to Serve is based upon the achievements and experiences gained over the past ten years through the implementation of 22 CSR Focus Points the Company s initial CSR policy. As a management policy Our Way to Serve identifies three areas of Mobility, People and the Environment as well as six management fundamentals to be prioritized by the Company as it seeks to assume its responsibilities and, in close collaboration with its stakeholders, realize ever greater contributions to society. In order to leverage its strengths in the provision of solutions to social problems the Company 8

10 will integrate the policies and activities needed for their achievement into the mid-term business strategic plan as it strives to enhance its ability to respond to the needs of its stakeholders. More information regarding the Our Way to Serve is available on the corporate website from the following link: Supplementary Principle The board should review regularly (or where appropriate) whether or not the code of conduct is being widely implemented. The review should focus on the substantive assessment of whether the company s corporate culture truly embraces the intent and spirit of the code of conduct, and not solely on the form of implementation and compliance. The Board of Directors is regularly apprised of the Company s CSR plans and their implementation and formally monitors and evaluates their progress. Principle 2.3 Sustainability Issues, Including Social and Environmental Matters Companies should take appropriate measures to address sustainability issues, including social and environmental matters. In accordance with its mission of Serving Society with Superior Quality the Company considers it important that it not only generate profits, but also contributes to society as a whole. As the leader in the industry, the Company strives to achieve ongoing growth as a business while taking responsibility for the future and contributing to the development of a sustainable society. Based upon this approach, the Company seeks not only to act in compliance with the rules and social norms that form the basis of a corporation s foundation but by applying its strengths and distinctiveness as a group, and through the application of advanced technologies and innovation, also contribute to the enhancement of mobility, life, work and recreation. More information regarding this approach to CSR is available on the corporate website from the following link: Supplementary Principle With the recognition that dealing with sustainability issues is an important element of risk management, the board should take appropriate actions to this end. Given the increasing demand and interest with respect to sustainability issues in recent years, the board should consider addressing these matters positively and proactively. The Company realizes that issues related to sustainability including human rights, safety, and responsible procurement are critical for its survival as a business. Having identified these issues 9

11 as management fundamentals within its revised CSR policy, the Company has actively engaged in their promotion on a global basis. Details of actual plans and initiatives are available on the corporate website from the following link: The Company intends to continue to engage in activities related to these core issues throughout its organization as it endeavors to respond to the demands and needs of its stakeholders. Principle 2.4 Ensuring Diversity, Including Active Participation of Women Companies should recognize that the existence of diverse perspectives and values reflecting a variety of experiences, skills and characteristics is a strength that supports their sustainable growth. As such, companies should promote diversity of personnel, including the active participation of women. In 2009, in order to provide a workplace environment wherein people expressing different values and individuality may work and grow, the Company released a document entitled Our Group s stance for Respect of Diversity wherein it declared its official goal of becoming a corporation where individuals of different cultures and customs will be respected, those at different life stages may enjoy security in their work, and each individual s abilities may be nurtured and developed. As a concrete example of these efforts, the Company has introduced policies aimed at promoting career advancement and employment opportunities for women including childcare, nursing support and flexible working arrangements for employees whose spouse has been relocated. Principle 2.5 Whistleblowing Companies should establish an appropriate framework for whistleblowing such that employees can report illegal or inappropriate behavior, disclosures, or any other serious concerns without fear of suffering from disadvantageous treatment. Also, the framework should allow for an objective assessment and appropriate response to the reported issues, and the board should be responsible for both establishing this framework, and ensuring and monitoring its enforcement. The Company has established Compliance Hotlines and Cartel Related Activity Reporting Hotlines and Bribery and related Activity Reporting Hotlines and has promoted their usage by awareness campaigns both online using the corporate intranet and throughout facilities by information posters. Hotline usage rates and the issues thereby identified are reported to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee on a regular basis. Supplementary Principle As a part of establishing a framework for whistleblowing, companies should establish a point of 10

12 contact that is independent of the management (for example, a panel consisting of outside directors 3 ). In addition, rules should be established to secure the confidentiality of the information provider and prohibit any disadvantageous treatment. ³ Outside director: A director who satisfies certain requirements such as not holding specific positions, including the position of executive director, in the company or its subsidiaries (Article 2, Paragraph 15 of the Companies Act). Furthermore, matters such as not holding a specific position in the parent company or other subsidiaries and not having specific kinship ties with controlling shareholders will be also required for outside directors after the 2014 amendments to the Companies Act. The Company has established contact points for whistleblowers in the form of both internal and external Compliance Consultation Hotlines in addition to externally operated Hotlines for Cartel Related Activity Reporting and Bribery and related Activity Reporting operated independently of the Company by legal experts (lawyers). The Company has also created formal rules and guidelines to ensure the fair treatment and protect the privacy of any employees using these hotlines or acting otherwise as whistleblowers. Section 3: Ensuring Appropriate Information Disclosure and Transparency General Principle 3 Companies should appropriately make information disclosure in compliance with the relevant laws and regulations, but should also strive to actively provide information beyond that required by law. This includes both financial information, such as financial standing and operating results, and non-financial information, such as business strategies and business issues, risk and governance. The board should recognize that disclosed information will serve as the basis for constructive dialogue with shareholders, and therefore ensure that such information, particularly non-financial information, is accurate, clear and useful. The Company, in addition to making appropriate disclosures of financial information including financial standing and operating results and non-financial information including business strategies, issues, risk and corporate governance in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, in order to promote the transparency and impartiality of its decision making processes and effective corporate governance also strives to disclose information deemed appropriate even in the absence of legal obligations to do so. The Company intends to continue to enhance the disclosure of information with the highest possible levels of accuracy and usability on its corporate website. Principle 3.1 Full Disclosure In addition to making information disclosure in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, companies should disclose and proactively provide the information listed below (along with the 11

13 disclosures specified by the principles of the Code) in order to enhance transparency and fairness in decision-making and ensure effective corporate governance: i) Company objectives (e.g., business principles), business strategies and business plans; ii) Basic views and guidelines on corporate governance based on each of the principles of the Code; iii) Compensation committee policies and procedures in determining the remuneration of the senior management and directors; iv) The policies and procedures of the board or nominating committee in the appointment of the senior management and the nomination of directors candidates; and v) Explanations with respect to the individual appointments and nominations based on iv). i) The Company provides access to the Bridgestone Essence and its mid-term business plan ( Mid-term Management Plan ) on the corporate website as follows. the Bridgestone Essence : Mid-term Management Plan : ii) The company outlines its basic approach and policies for promoting corporate governance based on each principle of the Corporate Governance Code in the first paragraph on page 8 of the Annual Report for 2016 as shown on the corporate website as follows: iii) The Compensation Committee s policies and procedures in determining the remuneration of members of senior management and Directors are detailed in the following attachment. iv) 1. Nominating Policy for the candidates for appointment to the Board When nominating candidates for Board membership, the Company considers the character and judgment of each individual, their experience and expertise and their level of dedication and commitment to performing the duties expected of a member of the Board. (1) Members of the Board other than Outside Directors The Company takes into account the following: The candidate s scope of knowledge and experience regarding the business and its operations. The level of the candidate s ability to formulate business plans and targets based upon an insightful understanding of the changing business environment. (2) Outside Directors The Company takes into account the following: The candidate s expertise, experience and ability to make judgments from an independent perspective. The candidate s absence of connections with the Company that would undermine their independence from the Company (specifically, their ability to meet the conditions for independence as set out in the Company s criteria on outside directors independence). 12

14 The Nominating Committee will choose candidates in an appropriate manner in accordance with fair and transparent guidelines and policies for the election and dismissal of the Members of the Board. 2. Nominating Policy for Executive Officers When nominating Executive Officers, the Company considers if the candidate possesses the depth and scope of experience and expertise relevant to the business and the ability to implement business plans and meet performance targets based upon an insightful understanding of the changing business environment. The Nominating Committee in accordance with the succession plan of the Representative Executive Officer submits proposals as appropriate for election and dismissal to the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee also deliberates the validity of proposals for the election and dismissal of candidates for positions as Executive Officers other than Representative Executive Officers. v) The Company states the reason for nomination, summary of career to date and a list of important posts concurrently served in other corporations or organizations for each candidate for nomination to Board membership in the convocation notice and reference documents for the Annual General Shareholdersˇ Meeting, Business Report and Corporate Annual Report. The current appointment status of Executive Officers is outlined in the annual Business Report and Corporate Annual Report. Supplementary Principle These disclosures should add value for investors, and the board should ensure that information is not boiler-plate or lacking in detail. The Company makes every effort to ensure that information is disclosed in a manner which is both easily understandable and of benefit to stakeholders. Supplementary Principle Bearing in mind the number of foreign shareholders, companies should, to the extent reasonable, take steps for providing English language disclosures. In light of the fact that approximately 30% of total corporate shares are held by overseas investors, the Company prepares an English version of its Annual Report which it makes publicly available on the corporate website. In addition, the Company also provides English translations of its consolidated financial statement, mid-term business plan ( Mid-term Management Plan ), reference documents and notice of Annual General Shareholders Meeting on its corporate website. 13

15 Principle 3.2 External Auditors External auditors and companies should recognize the responsibility that external auditors owe toward shareholders and investors, and take appropriate steps to secure the proper execution of audits. In recognition of the responsibility of External Accounting Auditors to perform appropriate accounting audits on behalf of shareholders and investors, the Company acts in compliance with the following Supplementary Principles as indicated below. Supplementary Principle The audit committee should, at minimum, ensure the following: i) Establish standards for the appropriate selection of external auditor candidates and proper evaluation of external auditors; and ii) Verify whether external auditors possess necessary independence and expertise to fulfill their responsibilities. i) The Audit Committee has established standards for the appointment and evaluation of External Accounting Auditors. ii) The Audit Committee, in accordance with these standards, (1) monitors the External Accounting Auditor s performance of its duties, (2) monitors the content and compensation for non-auditing duties entrusted to the External Accounting Auditors by the Audit Committee, and (3) receives reports regarding the quality management systems of the External Accounting Auditors in order to verify their impartiality and professional qualifications. Supplementary Principle The board and the audit committee should, at minimum, ensure the following: i) Give adequate time to ensure high quality audits; ii) Ensure that external auditors have access, such as via interviews, to the senior management including the CEO and the CFO; iii) Ensure adequate coordination between external auditors and each member of the audit committee (including attendance at the audit committee), the internal audit department and outside directors other than the members of the audit committee; and iv) Ensure that the company is constituted in the way that it can adequately respond to any misconduct, inadequacies or concerns identified by the external auditors. i) The Audit Committee requires that the External Accounting Auditor allocates sufficient time to perform their audits and, by means of receiving reports by the External Accounting Auditor on their audit plans, implementing the agreement procedures for determining the 14

16 compensation of the External Accounting Auditor, and verifying audit reports by the External Accounting Auditor, ensures that sufficient time is devoted to performing audits and that audits are performed at the high quality levels required. ii) In the event that the External Accounting Auditor requests time to meet with the CEO, COO and or CFO such arrangements and scheduling are made. iii) 1. Audit Committee Adequate coordination between the External Accounting Auditor and members of the Audit Committee is achieved through audit reports by the External Accounting Auditor at Audit Committee meetings, regular meetings between the External Accounting Auditor and members of the Audit Committee outside of Audit Committee meetings, and the attendance of Audit Committee members at site visits and audit reviews held by the External Accounting Auditor. 2. Internal Audit Division /Independent Directors Adequate coordination with the Internal Audit Division is achieved by their participation as observers in Audit Committee meetings where External Accounting Auditors share information regarding the audit plan and findings, and with other Independent Directors who do not serve on the Audit Committee via information provided by the Audit Committee. iv) In the event the External Accounting Auditor uncovers fraudulent activity and calls for appropriate countermeasures, or indicates problems or other issues, the Company will in accordance with the nature of the situation indicated instigate investigation by the Audit Committee, order reports from executive departments, provide directors with advice, warnings and or injunctions, report to the Board of Directors and undertake all measures necessary to identify the cause, rectify and prevent recurrence of the issue identified. Section 4: Responsibilities of the Board General Principle 4 Given its fiduciary responsibility and accountability to shareholders, in order to promote sustainable corporate growth and the increase of corporate value over the mid-to long-term and enhance earnings power and capital efficiency, the board should appropriately fulfill its roles and responsibilities, including: (1) Setting the broad direction of corporate strategy; (2) Establishing an environment where appropriate risk-taking by the senior management is supported; and (3) Carrying out effective oversight of directors and the management (including shikkoyaku 4 and so-called shikkoyakuin 5 ) from an independent and objective standpoint. Such roles and responsibilities should be equally and appropriately fulfilled regardless of the form of corporate organization i.e., Company with Kansayaku Board (where a part of these roles and responsibilities are performed by kansayaku and the kansayaku board), Company with Three 15

17 Committees (Nomination, Audit and Remuneration) or Company with Supervisory Committee. 4 Shikkoyaku: According to the Companies Act, Companies with Three Committees (Nomination, Audit and Remuneration) must appoint one or more shikkoyaku from directors or non-directors by a resolution of the board and delegate business administration to shikkoyaku. Also, authority to make certain kinds of business decisions may be delegated to shikkoyaku. 5 Shikkoyakuin: There are cases where a Company with Kansayaku Board or a Company with Supervisory Committee creates positions with the title of shikkoyakuin for persons who are delegated by the board a certain range of discretion regarding business administration. Unlike shikkoyaku in Companies with Three Committees (Nomination, Audit and Remuneration), shikkoyakuin is not a statutory position. The Board fulfills its responsibility to promote sustainable corporate growth and enhance corporate value over the mid to long term by the following means: (1) By focusing upon matters related to fundamental policies such as the Bridgestone Essence (the Corporate Philosophy), and upon issues related to the sustained growth and long term value enhancement of the corporation, such as the formulation of mid to long term business strategies, sustainable corporate growth and related issues, the Board seeks to maintain a separation between supervisory and executive functions. (2) In order to facilitate the timely and effective decision making required to implement the policies and strategies approved by the Board, the Board delegates a certain degree of authority to the executive. (3) In addition to the establishment of the statutory and discretionary committees, the Board is comprised on a majority of independent directors in order to ensure both the objectivity and effectiveness of its supervisory function. Principle 4.1 Roles and Responsibilities of the Board (1) The board should view the establishment of corporate goals (business principles, etc.) and the setting of strategic direction as one major aspect of its roles and responsibilities. It should engage in constructive discussion with respect to specific business strategies and business plans, and ensure that major operational decisions are based on the company s strategic direction. The Board focuses its deliberations upon critical issues related to the sustained growth and long term value enhancement of the corporation such as the corporate philosophy and formulation of mid to long term strategic plans and the monitoring of their achievement. In order to implement the most important strategic decisions of the Board with group-wide implications the Company has established a Global Executive Committee ( Global EXCO ) comprised of key executives from across the global organization which determines and oversees implementation of such policies and strategies. Supplementary Principle The board should clearly specify its own decisions as well as both the scope and content of the matters delegated to the management, and disclose a brief summary thereof. 16

18 The Company, in accordance with its articles of incorporation and applicable laws, stipulates in the Regulations of the Board of Directors that the Board of Directors is the highest decision making body within the Company and is responsible for the following: 1. formulating fundamental management policy 2. nomination of directors 3. establishment and monitoring of internal control systems 4. determination of important operational issues 5. other matters as legally required. By delegating authority for the determination of other issues to the executive, the Company seeks to implement decision making in a timely manner. Supplementary Principle Recognizing that a mid-term business plan (chuuki keiei keikaku) is a commitment to shareholders, the board and the senior management should do their best to achieve the plan. Should the company fail to deliver on its mid-term business plan, the reasons underlying the failure of achievement as well as the company s actions should be fully analyzed, an appropriate explanation should be given to shareholders, and analytic findings should be reflected in a plan for the ensuing years. The Company locates the mid-term strategic plan ( Mid-term Management Plan ) as a tool of business reform and innovation and implements it accordingly. The plan, while set to a five-year period, is refined annually on a rolling basis in accordance with assessments of changes in the business environment and achievement of the targets set out therein. Information regarding the objectives of the mid-term strategic plan and their respective levels of achievement are disclosed annually via press conferences, postings on the corporate website (see link below), and openly communicated in meetings with investors. Supplementary Principle Based on the company objectives (business principles, etc.) and specific business strategies, the board should engage in the appropriate oversight of succession planning for the CEO and other top executives. The Nominating Committee determines the selection process and qualifications required of potential successors of the Representative Executive Officer (CEO and COO), and identifies and evaluates candidates while reporting as needed to the Board. Additionally, the Committee assesses the adequacy of the succession planning undertaken by the Representative Executive Officer and voices its opinion as necessary. The Nominating Committee subsequently determines the final candidate for succession to the position of Representative Executive Officer and submits this determination to the Board. 17

19 Principle 4.2 Roles and Responsibilities of the Board (2) The board should view the establishment of an environment that supports appropriate risk-taking by the senior management as a major aspect of its roles and responsibilities. It should welcome proposals from the management based on healthy entrepreneurship, fully examine such proposals from an independent and objective standpoint with the aim of securing accountability, and support timely and decisive decision-making by the senior management when approved plans are implemented. Also, the remuneration of the management should include incentives such that it reflects mid- to long-term business results and potential risks, as well as promotes healthy entrepreneurship. The Company has established and continues to enhance systems and processes necessary for the promotion and achievement of technological and business model innovation and related activities entailing appropriate risk taking. In accordance with this, key business policies are developed after thorough deliberation by the Board of Directors which is composed of a majority of independent directors thus reflecting the interests of both shareholders and society at large and then implemented by the CEO and COO. The Company remunerates executives including the CEO and COO in part using stock options which are linked to the mid to long-term performance of the business based upon the outcomes of these decisions. Supplementary Principle In order for management remuneration to operate as a healthy incentive for sustainable growth, the proportion linked to mid- to long-term results and the balance of cash and stock should be set appropriately. Remuneration for management is comprised of a fixed monthly payment, an annual performance-based bonus payment, and a performance-linked variable allocation of stock options planned and designed by the Compensation Committee to incentivize the creation of corporate value on the mid to long term. Principle 4.3 Roles and Responsibilities of the Board (3) The board should view the effective oversight of the management and directors from an independent and objective standpoint as a major aspect of its roles and responsibilities. It should appropriately evaluate company performance and reflect the evaluation in its assessment of the senior management. In addition, the board should engage in oversight activities in order to ensure timely and accurate information disclosure, and should establish appropriate internal control and risk management systems. Also, the board should appropriately deal with any conflict of interests that may arise between the company and its related parties, including the management and controlling shareholders. 18