Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • War in Ukraine
    • Automotive
    • Tire
    • Non-Tire
    • Suppliers
    • ITEC
    • Silicone
    • Online Exclusive
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Sustainability
    • Products
    • Wacky World of Rubber
  • Airless Tires
  • Custom
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Classifieds & Mold Mart
  • Data
  • Events
    • RN Events
    • RN Livestreams/Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Past Events
    • Rubber News M&A Live
    • Ask the Expert
    • Healthcare Elastomers Conference
    • Rubber In Automotive Conference
    • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
February 04, 2014 01:00 AM

Bridgestone makes changes to leadership team

Tire Business Report
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    From left, Gordon Knapp, chief operating officer of Bridgestone Americas and chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations; and Eduardo Minardi, chairman of Bridgestone Europe.

    NASHVILLE, Tenn.―Bridgestone Americas has made leadership changes to its executive team and consumer tire business in support of the company's strategic agenda to globalize.

    Gordon Knapp has been named chief operating officer of Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas and chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, effective March 1, succeeding Eduardo Minardi, who previously held those positions. Until his successor is named, Bridgestone said Knapp also will continue in his current position as president, North American Consumer Tire, for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations.

    Effective March 1, Minardi will relocate to Brussels, Belgium, to become chairman of Bridgestone Europe, while continuing to serve on the tire maker's board of directors. Minardi assumed his Bridgestone Americas responsibilities in 2010 and added the European unit's executive chair accountabilities on Jan. 1.

    Gary Garfield, CEO and president of Bridgestone Americas, said Minardi "has helped lead Bridgestone Americas through the most successful period in our company's history, and he will undoubtedly help do the same for (Bridgestone Europe). His industry knowledge, leadership skills and cross-cultural perspective will be a tremendous asset for our global company in the European market.

    "While we will miss Eduardo's daily guidance and leadership, we are very happy to have his continuing support as a member of (Bridgestone America's) board of directors and look forward to applauding his future success in Europe."

    Garfield called Knapp "smart, strategic and battle-tested," noting the company is "fortunate and excited that his previous experience in leading operations for iconic consumer brands will continue to be an asset as we continue transforming our company and work to generate more value for consumers."

    Knapp has spent his career—both in the U.S. and internationally—in the consumer products area, "leading the operations of many of the world's foremost brands," according to Bridgestone Americas. Prior to joining the tire maker, he served as president, Family Care North Atlantic, Consumer Tissue Division for Kimberly Clark. He also has held leadership positions in the consumer products businesses for Pfizer Inc. and for Warner-Lambert Inc.

    Related Articles
    Bridgestone to introduce agricultural tires in Europe
    Bridgestone plant earns zero waste certification
    Bridgestone to develop tires for BMW's electric vehicle
    Bridgestone wins trademark infringement lawsuit in China
    Tire makers cautious, but still moving forward
    Bridgestone reports double digit growth
    Bridgestone makes personnel changes
    Ex Bridgestone exec pleads guilty, three others indicted
    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    3M to exit manufacturing of PFAS by end of 2025
    2
    Pros and Cons: A look at 4 emerging sustainable carbon black methods
    3
    Illinois attorney general sues 14 firms over PFAS contamination
    4
    No alternative in sight: Why Michelin is emphasizing sustainability of hevea
    5
    Teknor Apex uses 'world's first' bio-based plastic substitute in new TPE
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Rubber News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    Subscribe Today

    Subscribe to Rubber News to get the best coverage and leading insights in the industry.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    MISSION

    To serve companies in the global rubber product industry by delivering news, industry insights, opinions and technical information.

    Contact Us

    2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000
    Cuyahoga Falls,
    OH 44221

    Customer Service:
    877-320-1726

    Resources
    • About Us
    • Digital Edition
    • Staff
    • Advertise
    • Order Reprints
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Partner Sites
    • Tire Business
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Plastics News
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Automotive News
    • Crain Brands
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Rubber Division IEC
      • War in Ukraine
      • Automotive
      • Tire
      • Non-Tire
      • Suppliers
      • ITEC
      • Silicone
      • Online Exclusive
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Executive Action
      • Government/Legal
      • Opinion
      • Blogs
        • Products
        • Wacky World of Rubber
      • Sustainability
    • Airless Tires
    • Custom
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Resources
      • Directory
      • Classifieds & Mold Mart
    • Data
    • Events
      • RN Events
        • Healthcare Elastomers Conference
        • Rubber In Automotive Conference
        • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
      • Ask the Expert
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION