BFNT’s Gamauf to Retire

The vice-president of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire (BFNT), John K. Gamauf, will retire from the company effective as of May 1, 2008. Gamauf, who also holds the office of president, Consumer Replacement Tire Sales, will be replaced by John Baratta, who currently serves as vice president, North American Consumer Tires Sales, BFNT. Baratta’s successor has yet to be named. Gamauf will continue to serve on BFNT’s board of directors.

Mark A. Emkes, chairman and CEO of BFNT and its parent company, Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH) said: “I would like to thank John Gamauf on behalf of the entire Bridgestone Americas team for the great job he has done during his long, successful career with our company. Under his leadership, he and his team have developed the best consumer tyre dealer network in the country. Not only has he grown our consumer replacement tyre sales to record levels, he’s also done a tremendous job developing the individuals who make up his team. The result is the deepest and most talented bench in the industry. John’s truly ‘done it all’ when it comes to retail tyre sales.”

“It’s been my privilege to lead a sales and marketing organisation that is the best in the business, and to work with a dealer organisation that is the most loyal, most effective and strongest distribution network in the country,” said Gamauf. Our organisation and dealer network are thriving, so after almost 39 years with the only company I’ve ever worked for, the time is right for me to step aside and make room for the next generation of leaders. I’m excited for our company and our dealers that John Baratta will be that leader for the Consumer Replacement Tire Sales group.”

Baratta is a 25-year veteran of Bridgestone Firestone, having joined the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in 1983 after graduating with a degree in Business Administration from Furman University. According to Emkes, “We at Bridgestone Americas are very fortunate to have high-calibre individuals such as John Baratta making up our team and our bench. His background with our stores and in our wholesale channel will allow him to continue to build upon the many successes we’ve earned in our consumer replacement tire business, and his keen understanding of people development and the importance of succession planning will ensure that our company has a deep pool of talent from which to draw in order to serve our customers into the future.”