BFNAT Changes OTR/Agri Tyre Management

(Tire Review/Akron) The impending retirement of Ralph Burchfield, president of its off-road tyre group, has created a number of management changes at Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire. Burchfield has opted to retire at the end of this year, ending a 36-year career with the company. As a result, BFNAT is “streamlining” its OTR and agricultural tyre businesses, with three group vice presidents now reporting to BFNAT President Asahiko “Duke” Nishiyama.

Heading the agricultural tyre group will be vice president Kenneth Allen, formerly executive director of sales and marketing for Firestone Agricultural Tire Co. Leading the OTR group will be Shawn Rasey, formerly executive director of the OTR group. Heading up the tube group will be Scott Gateley, general manager.