NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 11, 2013) — Bridgestone Americas has chosen Paul Oakley, director of global communications and regional public and government affairs at Dow Chemical Co., to lead the company's communication strategy throughout the Americas.
With his appointment, effective July 22, Mr. Oakley becomes the Nashville-based tire maker's vice president of communications, a new position that incorporates many of the duties of former Community and Corporate Relations Vice President Dan MacDonald in addition to new duties.
The company said Mr. Oakley has an extensive background in managing corporate and marketing communications for leading industrial products and technology companies in North and South America.
During his 12-plus years with Dow Chemical, Mr. Oakley led teams and various employee, marketing, crisis and community communications programs in support of a wide variety of businesses based in Philadelphia, Sao Paulo, Zurich and Houston, according to Bridgestone.
Prior to his tenure with Dow, Mr. Oakley served as account director with Corporate Technology Communications in Chicago — purchased by global public relations firm Ketchum Inc. — and also worked in various business-to-business account roles with Gibbs and Soell Business Communications in Chicago.
"At Bridgestone Americas, we are focused on ensuring that as a company, we have an innovative, cohesive and fully integrated communications strategy that engages our stakeholders, supports our brands and protects our corporate reputation," said Christine Karbowiak, Bridgestone Americas' chief administrative officer and executive vice president. "I am confident that Paul's extensive experience in guiding integrated communications for both internal and external stakeholders will be a tremendous asset as we continue to build our reputation and strengthen our engagement strategies across the company."
Mr. Oakley earned a bachelor's degree in public relations from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, with concentrations in sociology and criminal justice.
This year, he was named one of Philadelphia's "40 Under 40" for professional excellence and community involvement by the Philadelphia Business Journal.