Four new tire executives were elected to the board of directors of the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association. They represent Kumho Tires USA, Pirelli Tire North America, Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc. and Bridgestone Americas Inc. Don Bunn, CEO and president of Toyo, Samuel Choi, CEO and president of Kumho, Marco Crola, chairman and CEO of Pirelli, and Tom Lehner, vice president of government affairs at Bridgestone will serve three-year terms effective immediately.
“This is an important time in U.S. manufacturing and we are thrilled to welcome these distinguished executives to our board,” said Anne Forristall Luke, CEO and president of USTMA. “They are recognized and respected leaders in our industry and will bring invaluable insights to the USTMA Board as we advance a policy agenda that promotes growth, a strong U.S. economy, and more opportunities for American manufacturing.”
Bunn has spent more than 40 years in the tire industry, including working in tire development and manufacturing. He joined Toyo Tires in 2005 as director of technical services. Choi has worked in the tire industry with Kumho for more than 28 years and has held leadership positions in Korea, the Middle East and Europe with a specific focus on the French market.
Crola joined Pirelli in 2006 after working for Boston-Grace Group, General Electric Group and Fiat Group in fields ranging from water treatment products to oil and gas.
Lehner's career has been focused on government and industry affairs, and before joining Bridgestone his transportation-related work included the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association and Toyota.