Higgins, Ferrari appointed to chair Bridgestone Europe, Americas

As of 1 January 2018, Thomas Higgins will take over as chairman of Bridgestone Europe NV/SA, succeeding Eduardo Minardi in this position. Higgins will also become a senior officer of Bridgestone Corporation and will retain his role as president of Bridgestone Americas’ US & Canada Consumer Tire Sales Division.

On the same date, Paolo Ferrari will commence as chairman of Bridgestone Americas, Inc., succeeding Eduardo Minardi. Ferrari will also be made a senior vice-president and executive officer of Bridgestone Corporation, and will continue as chief operating officer of Bridgestone Europe NV/SA.

Mitsuhira Shimazaki will become chairman of Bridgestone Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., effective 1 January 2018, and Yves Kerstens chief executive officer. The pair take over from Franco Annunziato, who held both positions. Annunziato and Eduardo Minardi will also retire as executive officers of Bridgestone Corporation on 31 December 2017.