Bridgestone names Boggs motorsports director

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 3, 2013) — Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) has hired Lisa Boggs, a racing industry public relations and promotions veteran, to be director of motorsports.

She will be responsible for managing, directing, planning and coordinating all of the Nashville-based tire maker's motorsports and motorsports marketing activities. She assumes the responsibilities previously handled by Al Speyer, who recently retired as executive director of motorsports after a 38-year career with the company. Bridgestone said Mr. Speyer will be with the company through June.

The company also promoted Dale Harrigle, previously section manager, race tire development, to chief engineer/manager, race tire development. He has been involved with the motorsports programs for 18 years, designing of all types of tires for the IZOD IndyCar Series, from rain tires to the tires used at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Ms. Boggs previously worked for Edelman Public Relations, leading programs for clients in IndyCar and NASCAR, including PVH Corp.'s IZOD brand, Office Depot Inc., Shell International B.V. and Armor All/STP Products Co., as well as overseeing the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 public relations campaign.

She also has held positions with Philip Morris as part of the team dedicated to the Marlboro brand sponsorship of Team Penske in IndyCar, and at Leo Burnett Advertising working with clients Procter & Gamble and Philip Morris.

"Lisa's strong marketing and public relations experience will be a huge advantage to us in enhancing our market presence and leveraging our motorsports partnerships," said Phil Pacsi, BATO's vice president of customer marketing and training, "Her expertise will keep us moving forward as we work to energize our existing loyal fan base as well as engage a new generation of fans in the sport."

Bridgestone's primary motorsports activity in the Americas is its role as the supplier of Firestone racing tires to the IZOD IndyCar Series. Bridgestone and IndyCar signed an extension last December of their contract through the 2018 race season, continuing a partnership between the two entities that began in 1996.