The Rubber Manufacturers Association has elected Mark Emkes as chairman of its board of directors. Emkes is chairman and CEO of both Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. and Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC.
Emkes succeeds Tom Dattilo, CEO and president of Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.
"Tom Dattilo's leadership over the past three years came at a particularly crucial time in the tire industry's history, and we are grateful for Tom's contributions and leadership," says Don Shea, RMA CEO and president.
Shea says that while TREAD (Transporation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation) Act regulations are nearly complete, the industry will continue to face challenges.
"Make no mistake, this industry remains on the radar screens of regulators, legislators and litigators. The tire industry continues to require strong leadership to help navigate numerous federal and state public policy issues."
"Our industry recognizes the challenges in the months and years ahead," says Emkes. "To meet those challenges, we must continue to work cooperatively through RMA to forge consensus, and then we must be assertive in advocating our positions with policymakers. I look forward to this new experience with RMA and the tire industry."
