Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Announces New Division PresidentGordon Knapp to lead Consumer Tire Business, U.S. and Canada
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 10, 2013) ― Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations today announced that Gordon Knapp has been named President, Consumer U.S. and Canada, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations effective June 17.
Knapp has spent his career – both in the U.S. and internationally – in the consumer products area leading the operations of many of the world’s foremost brands. Most recently, Knapp served as President, Family Care North Atlantic, Consumer Tissue Division for Kimberly Clark. He also has held leadership positions in the consumer products businesses for Pfizer, Inc. and for Warner-Lambert, Inc. Knapp succeeds Larry Magee, who has previously announced his retirement and will be leaving the company after 38 years of service to Bridgestone Americas. In order to provide for an orderly transition and knowledge transfer, Magee’s retirement will be effective July 31.
“At Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, we are keenly focused on meeting the needs and exceeding the expectations of our diverse customers and end-users,” said Eduardo Minardi, Chairman, CEO & President, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. “Throughout his career, Gordon has shown commitment to delivering value to consumers through innovation, a focus on results and a passion for operational excellence. We look forward to Gordon’s contributions as we take Consumer Tire to the next level.”
Knapp earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Trent University and an MBA from University of Western Ontario. He will relocate to Nashville from his current home in Wisconsin.
About Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) is a business unit of Bridgestone Americas, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. Reporting into the BATO business unit are the company's Latin American tire operations; the U.S. and Canadian consumer tire businesses; the U.S. and Canadian commercial tire businesses; and Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC, which operates the largest network of company-owned automotive service providers in the world. BATO develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. The business unit is focused on retail, wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to its customers in the Americas. In addition, through its Bridgestone Commercial Solutions Group, retreading customers have access to industry-leading research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales expertise, providing them with a total tire solution.
About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand 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 are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world’s largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.