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News

Bridgestone Americas Names Knapp COO and Tire Operations LeadFormer COO Minardi Transferring to Bridgestone Europe

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 30, 2014) ― In support of the Bridgestone Group’s strategic agenda to globalize, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) today announced leadership changes to its executive team and to its Consumer Tire business.

Effective March 1, Eduardo Minardi, BSAM’s Chief Operating Officer and Chairman, CEO and President of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO), is relocating to Brussels, Belgium to assume his role as BSEU Executive Chair role full time. He will continue to serve on the BSAM Board of Directors. Minardi was named to his BSAM responsibilities in 2010 and added BSEU Executive Chair accountabilities January 1, 2014.

“Eduardo has helped lead Bridgestone Americas through the most successful period in our company’s history, and he will undoubtedly help do the same for BSEU,” said Gary Garfield, CEO and President, BSAM. “His industry knowledge, leadership skills and cross-cultural perspective will be a tremendous asset for our global company in the European market. While we will miss Eduardo’s daily guidance and leadership, we are very happy to have his continuing support as a member of BSAM’s Board of Directors and look forward to applauding his future success in Europe.”

Succeeding Minardi, Bridgestone Americas named Gordon Knapp to COO, BSAM and Chairman, CEO and President of BATO effective March 1. Until such time as Knapp’s successor is identified and on-boarded he also will continue in his current position serving as President, North American Consumer Tire, BATO.

“Gordon is smart, strategic and battle-tested,” said Garfield. “We are fortunate and excited that his previous experience in leading operations for iconic consumer brands will continue to be an asset as we continue transforming our company and work to generate more value for consumers.”

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. Prior to BSAM, 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 earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Trent University and an MBA from University of Western Ontario.

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.