Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Best Places to Work
    • 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
January 09, 2017 01:00 AM

Seidel to replace retiring Baratta at Bridgestone Americas

Rubber & Plastics News Report
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Bridgestone Americas Inc.
    John Baratta (left), president, consumer replacement tire sales, U.S. & Canada, will retire March 1. Erik Seidel (right), vice president, consumer replacement tire sales, will step into the vacated position.

    NASHVILLE, Tenn.—After serving 34 years with Bridgestone Americas Inc., John Baratta, president, consumer replacement tire sales, U.S. & Canada, will retire March 1, the company announced. Erik Seidel, vice president, consumer replacement tire sales, will step into the vacated position.

    "John has been an outstanding member of our team, and his contributions to the consumer tire group have been fundamental to the growth and success of Bridgestone Americas," TJ Higgins, president, integrated consumer tire division, U.S. & Canada, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, said in statement.

    "We wish John the very best in retirement and are excited for Erik to take on this role," Higgins added. "Erik shares John's passion for our customers, and he is the right person to build upon the success of John's leadership."

    Baratta began his career at Bridgestone in 1983 as a sales manager with what was then Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. While gaining experiences is many facets of the tire operations, Baratta ascended through the ranks of the Bridgestone consumer tire business, assuming his current position as president of consumer replacement for North America in 2008.

    Seidel, came to Bridgestone in 2013 as vice president of brand marketing for the consumer tire business, having previously worked with Kimberly-Clark Corp., where he managed a number of brands, including Viva towels, the Scott brand and the Huggies brand of diapers and wipes.

    At Bridgestone, Seidel led the company's brand-building efforts and developed product launches, including the introduction of the DriveGuard tire line. He was promoted to his current position in 2015 and worked alongside Baratta, where "he has successfully delivered growth and driven new product development across North America," Bridgestone said. Among Seidel's other accomplishments, Bridgestone cites delivery of new technology — such as TireConnect — and other tools that allow dealers to reach consumers online and drive sales.

    "Erik has quickly demonstrated his ability to strengthen relationships, build trust and drive growth," Baratta said in a statement. "I am excited for him to take on this role and have full confidence that his leadership will allow Bridgestone to achieve our vision of becoming an indispensable business partner."

    Seidel earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA and a master's degree in manufacturing management from Northwestern University.

    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
    EV owners: OE tires falling drastically short of treadwear expectations
    2
    80 years later, PPG silicas still driving tire performance
    3
    Michelin reaches deal to sell Russian operations
    4
    Bolder, Liberty Tire collaboration sets stage for more circular industry
    5
    VMI outlines tire technology upgrades for efficient, sustainable manufacturing
    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
      • Best Places to Work
      • 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