Bridgestone Americas Inc. has named TJ Higgins president, consumer U.S. and Canada, for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC. The hiring will be effective Nov. 3, 2014.
Higgins brings more than 20 years of "big brand" consumer products marketing and strategic business experience to Bridgestone. He has led product strategy and marketing for a number of recognizable brands and products; most recently, he served as the North America regional president for Pfizer Consumer Healthcare (Pfizer Inc.). Prior to that, he held a leadership role at Merck & Co. Inc.
Higgins, who will be based out of Nashville, succeeds Gordon Knapp, who was named chief operating officer of Bridgestone Americas last March.
“Our company is redefining the way we approach our business,” says Knapp. “TJ has demonstrated an ability to build quality teams, maximize product demand and create innovative ways to meet customer needs."
The arrival of a new president follows a series of innovative product introductions for the Bridgestone consumer tire business, including the company’s new DriveGuard run-flat tire line.
