The keynote speaker for the American Chemical Society's rubber division mini-expo and fall meeting Oct. 17 in Cincinnati had the potential to be more than your typical conference speaker.

        Masatoshi Ono, chairman and CEO of Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. and the man at the center of the firestorm over Firestone's tire tread separation woes, was to be the main speaker at the opening of the three-day event at the Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center.

Masatoshi Ono

        But no more.

        The Akron-based rubber division of the chemical society has posted a note on its Web site saying that Mr. Ono won't be attending. There's no word yet who will be his replacement.

        Mr. Ono's future as head of Bridgestone/Firestone remains uncertain. Reports from Japan this week indicated the president of the parent Bridgestone Corp. will ask for his resignation.

        Bridgestone said no decision has been made to replace Mr. Ono.

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