Bridgestone Americas Announces Promotions

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) has announced two senior personnel changes: Stephen Brooks, formerly president, US, Canada and Monterrey Manufacturing Group (BAMG), has been appointed to the newly created position of chief information officer, BSAM. Barrett “Barry” Owens, formerly executive director, Process Engineering Development, will assume Brooks’ responsibilities and has been promoted to the position of vice president, Manufacturing, BAMG.

In his new position as chief information officer, Brooks will oversee all information technology functions for the Bridgestone Americas group of companies and report directly to BSAM CEO and President Gary A. Garfield. Since joining what was then Bridgestone/Firestone in 1989, Brooks has held positions of increasing responsibility, including team leader, area manager, manager scheduling, IE and division manager and production control/information services at the company’s Warren County, Tennessee plant. In 1998, Brooks was promoted to the position of general manager, Manufacturing, at the company’s Aiken County manufacturing facility in South Carolina, and in 2000 accepted a new assignment there as plant manager. In 2002 Brooks was promoted to vice president, Quality Assurance, for Bridgestone Americas, and in 2003 accepted the position of vice president, Manufacturing. In 2008 Brooks was appointed to his most recent role as president, BAMG. Brooks holds an MBA from Vanderbilt University’s Owen School of Business.

“Steve’s strong leadership and management skills, keen business sense and process-driven management approach will lead Bridgestone Americas’ IT efforts with a clear purpose and vision,” said Garfield.

As vice president, BAMG, Owens will be responsible for ensuring the company’s US, Canada and Monterrey, Mexico, tyre plants continue to meet the technological changes and process improvements necessary to produce high-quality products for today’s competitive global marketplace. Owens will report directly to Eduardo Minardi, COO, BSAM, and chairman, CEO and president, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. Owens joined Bridgestone/Firestone in 1989 as a junior engineer at the company’s Warren County plant. During his time with the company, Owens held the positions of section and division manager of Tech Services; and division manager of Operations and IE, Production Control, and Engineering. In 2004, Owens accepted the assignment as plant manager of the company’s Oklahoma City manufacturing facility and in 2009 was promoted to executive director, Process Engineering Development. Owens holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University.

“As Vice President, BAMG, Barry brings to the job strong technical and engineering skills and a solid background in plant management and operations. Barry’s a proven leader with a solid track record of achieving positive results,” said Minardi.