RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (April 15, 2014) — Bruce Ware, 30+-year tire industry veteran, is retiring from Falken Tire Corp. after an 11-year stint with the company, most recently as vice president of sales.
Mr. Ware's retirement has led to promotions of two other company executives: Andrew Hoit, vice president of marketing, will take over Mr. Ware's post, and Rick Brennan, executive director of product strategy, will become executive director of marketing.
All changes were effective April 14, according to Falken. Mr. Ware will continue with the Rancho Cucamonga-based tire marketer through June 30, “supporting President (Richard) Smallwood on several strategic projects,” the company said.
In a personal note to Falken personnel, Mr. Smallwood said Mr. Ware's “dedication to always doing the best job possible has consistently contributed to Falken's success throughout the years.
“His accomplishments for more than a decade as head of sales have enabled Falken to achieve immense growth, and while I'm happy Bruce will be able to spend more time at home with his family and enjoy what he has worked so hard for all his life, I am also sad to lose him as a valued part of the Falken team.”
Mr. Smallwood noted that Mr. Hoit has significant experience in the tire business, including managing a national sales force, and his “aggressive attitude should prove invaluable in moving Falken's sales to new heights.”
Falken said Mr. Brennan has over 40 years' experience in the tire industry, with previous roles in motorsports, engineering, production and product planning and branding. He joined Falken last year after leaving Kumho Tire USA Inc., where he was the former vice president of marketing.
