Bridgestone Americas names Higgins consumer tire div. pres.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 29, 2014) ― Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations has hired T.J. Higgins as president of the Consumer U.S. and Canada division, effective Nov. 3.

Mr. Higgins succeeds Gordon Knapp, who became COO of Bridgestone Americas in March. He brings more than 20 years of experience in big brand consumer products marketing and strategic business to the tire maker, the company said, having led product strategy and marketing for a number of brands and products.

Most recently, he was North America regional president for Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and also has held leadership roles at Merck & Co. Inc. and Pinnacle Foods Group L.L.C./Vlasic Foods throughout his career.

“Our company is redefining the way we approach our business,” Mr. Knapp said. “T.J. has demonstrated an ability to build quality teams, maximize product demand and create innovative ways to meet customer needs. His experience will serve us well as we continue to build a consumer tire business that's sustainable well into the future.”

Mr. Higgins will relocate to Nashville from New Jersey, Bridgestone Americas said