Bridgestone Americas Inc. (BSAM) announced changes to its executive leadership and its consumer tire business. Gordon Knapp will become COO of BSAM and chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO), on March 1, 2014.
Knapp is succeeding Eduardo Minardi, who is relocating to Brussels, Belgium, to assume his role as executive chair of Bridgestone Corp.’s European subsidiary full time. He will continue to serve on the BSAM board of directors.
Knapp will also continue in his current position as president, North American consumer tire for BATO until his successor is identified.
“Eduardo has helped lead Bridgestone Americas through the most successful period in our company’s history,” says Gary Garfield, CEO and president, BSAM. “His industry knowledge, leadership skills and cross-cultural perspective will be a tremendous asset for our global company in the European market.”
Knapp has spent his career, both in the U.S. and internationally, in the consumer products area leading the operations of many of the world’s foremost brands. He has held leadership positions in the consumer products businesses for Kimberly Clark, Pfizer, Inc. and for Warner-Lambert, Inc.
“Gordon is smart, strategic and battle-tested,” says Garfield. “We are fortunate and excited that his previous experience in leading operations for iconic consumer brands will continue to be an asset as we continue transforming our company and work to generate more value for consumers.”
For more information visit: http://www.bridgestone-firestone.com/.
