ATLANTA — TireHub L.L.C. will soon have a new CEO.
The Bridgestone Americas/Goodyear tire distribution joint venture announced that Chief Executive Officer Peter Gibbons has decided to leave the company to pursue a new career opportunity. He will remain with TireHub through mid-November. Gibbons' new company will be disclosed "soon," a TireHub spokesperson said.
"We are incredibly proud of TireHub's position as a wholesale distribution channel leader and appreciate all of Peter's contributions to the company," said Goodyear and Bridgestone representatives in a joint statement. "TireHub is in a very strong position for future growth, and we have the utmost confidence in the TireHub leadership team and its commitment to helping dealers and retailers grow their business."
Ted Becker, vice president of sales and marketing, will serve as interim CEO during the transition. Becker joined TireHub in August 2020 and has more than 25 years of experience in the tire and automotive industries, including leadership positions at both Michelin and Exide Technologies.
"We remain focused on being the trusted distributor with the right product in the right place. We will continue to look after dealers and retailers, grow business for our customers and TireHub and sustain our culture," Becker said. "We are expanding in several markets in the coming months that will help fulfill our mission of providing high quality product to our customers. They are and will always be our top priority. We are excited about what the future holds for our customers and our people."
When asked if TireHub will seek a new CEO or if Becker will be a candidate, the spokesperson said: "There is a process for appointing permanent chief executive officers for all companies, and TireHub is no different. Until this process is completed by our shareholders, Ted Becker is our interim CEO and will lead TireHub through the transition period."
TireHub launched in July 2018 and operates 71 distribution centers in the U.S. Gibbons joined TireHub prior to the company's launch and has led TireHub from a startup to wholesale distribution channel leader "that emphasizes customer service, growth, and a people-centric culture," the company said.
"He combined over 1,000 Bridgestone and Goodyear employees into one team with a common focus of growing business for tire dealers and retailers," the spokesperson said. "Under Gibbons, TireHub has built multiple technology systems from scratch; relocated or added TireHub Logistics Centers (TLCs) in 15 different markets; developed a customer-centric sales and operational strategy; and created a strong company culture as a foundational element for success."
Moving forward, TireHub said it will continue to serve its customers "with the same relentless passion as always."
"Customers are our number one priority and we are committed to providing them with the right products at the right location at the right time to help dealers and retailers grow their business," the spokesperson said. "We have significant growth plans to be announced in the next few weeks and look forward to maintaining the momentum and progress we've generated thus far."