Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) is implementing a new
consolidated management structure for its consumer tire division
in the U.S. and Canada.
Larry Magee, currently chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone
Retail Operations, has been promoted to president of the consumer
tire unit.
John Baratta has been promoted to vice president of the division,
a title he will hold concurrently with his position as president
of replacement tire sales for the U.S. and Canada Consumer Tire
Sales Division. Baratta will report directly to Magee.
In his new role, Magee, with the support of Baratta, will be
responsible for the strategic direction of the division and the
continued enhancement of the company’s relationships with its
customers and consumers.
Baratta will focus on consumer tire sales operations with an
emphasis on the dealer and corporate account channels.
His experience, however, “will also be invaluable in assisting
Magee and the team to further strengthen” the original equipment,
retail and Credit First, NA (CFNA) operations “while continuing
to grow the Bridgestone and Firestone brands in a highly
competitive marketplace,” according to Eduardo Minardi, chairman,
CEO and president of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations and COO
of Bridgestone Americas, Inc.
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“Larry and John are both very talented executives with a wealth
of experience in the tire business, and they each have a keen
understanding of what it takes to be successful,” Minardi says.
“I’m confident that our consumer tire business is in very capable
hands and that under their leadership we will continue to grow
our business, serve the needs of our customers, and fulfill our
brand promise to provide products and services that meet or
exceed consumers’ expectations.”
Matt Hoskins, who had been COO at Bridgestone Retail Operations,
has been promoted to president of that division. In his new role,
Hoskins will be responsible for the consumer retail businesses,
which include more than 2,100 Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires
Plus, Wheel Works and ExpertTire outlets located across the
U.S.
“Matt has experience in every facet of our retail business, and
with his strategic vision and strong customer focus I know he
will build on our retail success and continue to grow the
business,” Minardi says.
For more information, visit www.bridgestone-
firestone.com.
