Bridgestone names new ag biz prez

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 20, 2015) — Bridgestone Americas has hired Tony Orlando, a BP P.L.C. executive, to be president of the tire maker's Bridgestone Agricultural Tire, U.S. & Canada Commercial Tire Sales (BAAG), filling a position that's been vacant since June 2014.

Mr. Orlando, who's been with BP the past 26 years in a variety of engineering and executive roles, will lead the development and execution of the strategic direction of Bridgestone's North American agricultural tire business, according to the company.

“Tony's extensive customer strategy, innovation, sales and marketing experience and proven leadership skills will be a significant asset to our team,” said Kurt Danielson, president, U.S. & Canada commercial tire sales for Nashville-based Bridgestone.

He said Mr. Orlando “will lead the development and execution of the strategic direction of our North American agricultural tire business, working closely with the commercial tire business leaders to identify common and new opportunities and further position Bridgestone as a leader in agricultural solutions.”

Mr. Orlando began his career at BP in 1988 as a manufacturing process engineer and continued in a number of roles, including strategy development, financial analysis, mergers and acquisitions, joint venture management, business development and sales and marketing.

Bridgestone said Mr. Orlando also spent several years of his BP career in London, Hong Kong and Singapore.  Most recently, he was vice president and managed several global partnerships in the U.S. mobility and retail market space.

He earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA in finance and marketing from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

Bridgestone said he is replacing Kenneth Allen, who retired last June after a dozen years with Bridgestone.