TBC Announces Additional Executive Changes

Oct. 5, 2020

TBC Corp. has hired Rodger Smith to be the president and COO of National Tire Warehouse (NTW.) TBC also has announced that Don Byrd, the current president and COO of NTW, will replace Glenn Gravatt, president and COO of TBC Purchasing Co., when Gravatt retires in March 2021.

When in his newly announced role, Smith will oversee all sales initiatives for NTW. He comes to NTW from Sysco Corp., where he held a wide range of executive positions.

Byrd, who joined TBC two years ago, played an instrumental role in the formation of NTW, according to TBC officials. When Gravatt retires, Byrd will oversee all tire and non-tire purchasing activities and relationships for all of TBC's business units, as well as its consumer and commercial product marketing teams.

In addition to these changes, TBC has promoted Greg Ortega to senior vice president and general manager of purchasing, TBC Tire Group. A 24-year TBC veteran, Ortega "as been integral to the success of the TBC Purchasing Team," according to company officials.

"Over the last several years, Greg has guided his team to take on additional levels of responsibility and an expanded scope of operations to support fellow team members across all TBC business units, spanning retail, franchise, wholesale, distribution and e-commerce. His leadership efforts have resulted in improved performance, streamlined operations and development opportunities for many team members."

TBC President and CEO Erik Olsen says that Ortega "has made significant contributions to TBC" and that he looks forward "to continuing to work with him."

Regarding the departing Gravatt, Olsen says "his entrepreneurial spirit, leadership style, hardworking nature and overall outlook should be an example to us all."

TBC Purchasing Team members Patricia Del Aguila and Travis Cripe have been promoted to senior director, retail tire programs and services.

"Patricia and Travis are strong leaders, whose contributions are recognized across all of TBC's business units," says Olsen.