Nashville, Tenn. (June 30, 2006) - Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) today announced several promotions in the Consumer Replacement Tire and Truck and Bus Tire divisions. Those being promoted are:

John Baratta, currently director, North American Consumer Replacement Tire, Retail Sales has been named vice president, North American Consumer Replacement Tire Sales. Baratta will be responsible for all replacement tire sales, retail and wholesale. Baratta is a 23-year sales veteran with a degree in business administration from Furman University. He has held a number of key sales and management positions of increasing responsibility including: store manager, regional marketing manager, general manager west coast region and manager of key accounts.

Phil Pacsi, currently executive director, North American Consumer Tire Marketing has been named vice president, North American Consumer Tire Marketing. Pacsi is responsible for product planning, forecasting, pricing, national advertising, motor sports and promotional programs. Pacsi joined Bridgestone Firestone in 1982 after graduating with a degree in chemistry from Gannon University. Pacsi has had a wide range of experience in the tire business working as project engineer, sales engineering product manager and manager of product marketing.

Mike VanSicklen, currently manager, Purchase Resale, Military and Government Sales, has been named director, National Business Development. VanSicklen will continue his current duties while adding the ultra-high performance team and new business development activities to his responsibilities. VanSicklen, a business management graduate of the University of Tennessee, has 16 years of service with Bridgestone Firestone. VanSicklen has been a territory sales manager, technical product specialist and manager of sales promotions.

Art Campagnoni, currently executive director, Truck and Bus Sales, has been named vice president, Truck and Bus Sales. Art is responsible for all truck and bus tire sales, retail and wholesale. Campagnoni is a 22-year sales veteran with Bridgestone Firestone with a degree in psychology from Hamilton College, New York State. He held a number of key sales and management positions of increasing responsibility including: regional sales manager, regional general manager and director of commercial sales.

Kurt Danielson, currently executive director, Truck and Bus Marketing, has been named vice president, Truck and Bus Marketing. Danielson is responsible for truck and bus marketing efforts which includes advertising, pricing, product planning and promotions. Danielson graduated from the University of Michigan in 1986 with a degree in business administration. He joined Bridgestone Firestone in 1994 and has held several key positions in marketing and sales starting as a territory manager before moving up to training manager, district sales manager, marketing manager, channel sales manager and director of marketing.

“We believe that both Art and Kurt have the vision, talent and experience to help our truck and bus tire team to solidify our position as the leader in the truck and bus tire business in North America,” said Singh Ahluwalia, president, Bridgestone Firestone Truck and Bus Tires. “Our team is fortunate to have such strong leadership.”

John Gamauf, president, Bridgestone Firestone Consumer Replacement Tire said these promotions will bolster an already strong team. “John, Phil and Mike continue to add strength to our consumer sales and marketing team and I have no doubt will help ensure our profitable growth,” Gamauf said. “I’m very proud of all of them,” he concluded.