NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 18, 2011)—Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations has restructured its consumer tire business in the U.S. and Canada and promoted Larry Magee to president of consumer tire for both countries. He had been the head of Bridgestone Retail Operations L.L.C. since 1998.
The new structure strives to consolidate the reporting responsibilities for the original equipment, replacement/wholesale and retail tire businesses in the U.S. and Canada as well as Credit First N.A., the firm's private label credit card business, Bridgestone said.
Magee, a 36-year company veteran who began his career as a Firestone store associate, will be responsible for the strategic direction of BATO's consumer tire business and the continued enhancement of the company's relationships with its customers and consumers, the Nashville-based tire maker said.
Supporting him will be John Baratta, named vice president, consumer tire U.S. & Canada, a title he will hold concurrently with his position as president, replacement tire sales, U.S. & Canada consumer tire sales division.
Baratta, a 27-year company veteran who also began his career in the Firestone store network, will focus on consumer tire sales operations with an emphasis on the dealer and corporate account channels.
Together the executives will be tasked with strengthening the OE, retail and Credit First businesses while continuing to build the Bridgestone and Firestone brands.
In addition, Matt Hoskins succeeds Magee as president of BSRO from his post as chief operating officer of that business. He will be responsible for the consumer retail businesses, which comprise more than 2,100 Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Wheel Works and ExpertTire brand outlets in the U.S.
Also reporting to Magee will be Mike Martini, president, original equipment tire sales, U.S. & Canada consumer tire sales division, and Dean Miller, president of Credit First.