Bridgestone taps Rob Seibert, Erica Walsh for OTR, ag tire sales posts

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Bridgestone Americas Inc. has named Rob Seibert as executive director of off-the-road tire sales, Bridgestone Americas Tires Operations, and Erica Walsh as executive director of sales for Firestone Ag, BATO.

Seibert previously served as BATO's director of marketing for OTR in the U.S. and Canada. Prior to joining Bridgestone in 2015, he spent five years at P&H Mining Equipment, the surface mining products division of Joy Global, where he held roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as a product manager and district manager. He was an officer of the U.S. Army from 2002 to 2009 where he flew Apache attack helicopters and served multiple tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"Rob has been influential in shaping market strategy for the OTR tire business and has played a critical role in delivering key product launches such as the Firestone VersaBuilt radial tire line and the PressureStat tire pressure monitoring system," said Bridget Neal, president of BATO's OTR tire division in the U.S. and Canada. "His proven leadership and deep understanding of our customer base will enable us to deliver integrated products, services and technologies that meet the emerging needs of our customers."

In her new role, Walsh will lead Firestone Ag sales strategy and execution in North America. She will oversee a portfolio of business that includes agricultural tires, tracks and integrated tire-wheel assemblies in both the OE and replacement tire channels.

Walsh previously served as director of truck bus radial original equipment tire sales. She joined Bridgestone in 2000 where she began her career as a senior engineer in the quality assurance department and since has held a number of leadership positions in commercial sales and marketing. She helped establish the enterprise innovation platform for Bridgestone Americas.

"Erica's strategic leadership, coupled with her technical and sales expertise, will allow her to be a key leader of the Firestone Ag business," said Tony Orlando, president of Firestone Ag. "Her knowledge of businesses across the Bridgestone commercial organization will enable her to more strategically align distribution channels to better serve our customers and strengthen our North American business."