Sumitomo Rubber North America (SRNA) has promoted four key employees: Darren Thomas, Rick Brennan, Matt Leeper and Toby Beiner.
SRNA President and CEO Richard Smallwood announced the promotions this week.
Thomas will become senior vice president and chief operating officer, moving from his position of senior vice president of sales and marketing. Thomas, whom Smallwood hired in 1995, has served in multiple sales, marketing, and business development roles for SRNA, and Smallwood says he's done so with an “aggressive and analytical style.”
He added, “With the significant changes I foresee in the tire industry’s near future, SRNA needs an aggressive, high energy, market-wise leader like Darren shaping the customer-facing aspects of our business so that we can best serve our customers."
Returning to oversee the marketing department is Brennan, who has most recently run SRNA’s strategic planning operations. He will continue to manage strategic planning activities, which Smallwood says “has been largely responsible for the level of growth we have experienced over the past few years.” He also will take on the role of vice president of marketing.
Leeper is taking over as vice president of four-wheel sales for SRNA. A 22-year Falken veteran, he will transition from his position as director of consumer sales. Smallwood praised Leeper for his “strong customer relationships, and unrivaled loyalty and commitment to the company.”
And finally, Beiner has been promoted from corporate controller to vice president of finance. Beiner will take on the leadership role for SRNA’s finance, accounting and credit functions upon the retirement of Peter Buck, SRNA’s current chief financial officer. Buck, who has been with the company for nearly 13 years, will retire on April 1, 2021, but will stay on in an advisory role through Nov. 30, 2021 to ensure a smooth transition.
“I congratulate my colleagues on their well-deserved promotions, as their hard work and result-oriented focus have helped SRNA become the highly successful company it is today,” Smallwood said. “Along with my other senior staff, I believe Falken Tires and Dunlop Motorcycle Tires are well-positioned to continue outperforming the market, building valuable OE partnerships, and providing the exceptional service our customers deserve.”