Bridgestone/Firestone Announces Management Changes
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 12, 2002)– Bridgestone/Firestone
North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) today announced that Mark Emkes, currently
President of the Bridgestone/Firestone Latin American Operations group
of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BFAH) has been elected to the
concurrent positions of Chairman, CEO and President of BFNT. The appointment
is effective September 16, 2002.
In making the announcement, John Lampe, CEO, Chairman
and President of BFAH said, “Following Isao Togashi’s return
to Japan to accept his important assignment as the head of global manufacturing
and technology operations for the Bridgestone Group, it has always been
our plan to identify a leader for BFNT who can focus on the rebuilding
needs of that business unit, while continuing the progress that we have
all made over the last 22 months. Mark Emkes is that leader.” Lampe
continued, “He has a keen business sense and an upbeat and constructive
way of working with associates, dealers and community leaders. He has
a passion for our business and our company and will make a significant,
positive contribution to our North American tire operations.”
Emkes, 49, graduated from DePauw University with a
Bachelors degree in Economics in 1975 and received a Masters in International
Management from the American Graduate School of International Management
in 1976. A twenty-six year veteran with the company, he joined the former
Firestone Tire & Rubber Company as a college class trainee in trade
sales, with his first assignment as a store manager in Baytown, Texas.
He then joined the international side of the tire business, with assignments
in the United Arab Emirates and several tours of duty in each of Spain,
Mexico and Brazil. Prior to his current assignment as President of Bridgestone/Firestone
Latin American Operations, he has served as President of Bridgestone/Firestone
do Brazil and Bridgestone/Firestone de Mexico. In his new position as
Chairman, CEO and President of BFNT, both the sales organizations and
the research, product development and manufacturing aspects of the tire
business will report to Emkes. An announcement regarding Emkes’ successor
as President of Bridgestone/Firestone Latin American Operations is expected
shortly.
“I have always believed that the way to success
in the tire business is to integrate the manufacturing and sales aspects
of the business in a way that addresses the customers’ needs and
acknowledges the challenges and opportunities inherent in plant environments,” said
Emkes. “I am looking forward to working with and getting to know
the many people who make up the Bridgestone/Firestone family in North
America - our associates, our dealers and our friends in the community – as
we continue to implement the business philosophies championed by John
Lampe, including our Making It Right initiative.”
Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc.
is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest
tire and rubber company. BFAH, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures
and markets a wide range of tires to address the needs of a broad range
of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle
original equipment manufacturers and those in the agricultural, forestry
and mining industries. The companies also produce Firestone air springs,
roofing materials, synthetic rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles
and operate the world’s largest chain of automotive tire and services
centers. Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC, a subsidiary
of BFAH, develops, manufactures, and markets Bridgestone, Firestone,
Dayton and private and associate brand tires. The company is focused
on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light
truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, agriculture and other tires to its
customers in North America. |
