TBC Corporation promotes Don Byrd to president & CEO

TBC Corporation (TBC) has named Don Byrd its next president and chief executive officer. He will assume this role with the North American replacement tyre distributor on 1 May 2024, succeeding Sam Kato, who will return to TBC shareholder Sumitomo Corporation.

Don Byrd currently serves as TBC’s chief strategy and marketing officer. TBC views his appointment by the TBC Board of Directors to president and chief executive officer as a “natural transition” for the company and follows a strategic plan developed in collaboration with Kato.

“Don Byrd has worked hand-in-hand with Sam and the other members of TBC’s executive leadership team to build out the company’s current winning strategy,” says Kei Kubota, TBC Corporation board member. “TBC is well-positioned for continued growth, and we look forward to collaborating with Don to help propel the company to even greater heights. We are grateful for Sam’s exceptional leadership and dedication to TBC’s transformation, particularly over the past year, while serving as the company’s president and CEO.”

Byrd joined TBC in April 2018 as executive vice president, TBC and president & chief operating officer, National Tire Wholesale (NTW). He soon became president, TBC purchasing and assumed additional responsibilities as chief marketing and strategy officer. Prior to joining TBC, Byrd served as the chief operating officer and president of Tire Centers Incorporated (TCi), LLC, one of the country’s leading tyre service networks and a wholly owned subsidiary of Michelin North America, Inc. Before TBC and Michelin, he spent 19 years at Procter & Gamble in marketing and operations roles.

Strong foundation

“We appreciate Sam’s contributions to TBC and wish him continued success. Under Sam’s leadership, we built a strong foundation for the company, poised for growth,” says Don Byrd. “As CEO, I will continue to execute on this strategic vision. We are laser-focused on providing best-in-class solutions in the mobility and automotive industry and strengthening our wholesale and distribution, and franchise businesses, and keeping our stakeholders moving on the road ahead.”

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these past three years, where I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a dynamic team here at TBC,” adds Sam Kato. “I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished together, and I’m confident Don will continue to drive TBC forward and build upon our success.”

Kato is a 30-year veteran of global automotive businesses. Prior to his appointment as president and chief executive officer of TBC, he served as a director of the board for TBC Corporation from 2015 until 2018 when he was leading transportation businesses for Sumitomo Corporation of Americas. As TBC’s first chief administrative officer, Kato maintained responsibility for legal and compliance, human resources, IT, digital, corporate strategy and communications. Kato was an instrumental part of the Sumitomo leadership team that formed a strategic 50/50 joint venture with Michelin North America, Inc., in 2018 to create the current TBC Corporation.