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/Firestone 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/Firestone 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.
