Kimpel promoted at GCR

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 28, 2016) — Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) has promoted company veteran Jon Kimpel to executive director of marketing for its GCR Tires & Service commercial division.

Mr. Kimpel, who joined the Bridgestone team in 1995 as application engineer for Firestone Industrial Products, replaces Chris Ripani, who was named president of BATO's Speedco subsidiary late last year.

In his new role, Mr. Kimpel will be responsible for leading all marketing activities for GCR, including advertising, promotion and digital activities, BATO said.

“Jon has more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, engineering and financial analysis, and we're excited to bring that expertise to the GCR team,” said Philip Dobbs, chief marketing officer, BATO.

"With his proven leadership and track record of effective strategic planning, I am confident that Jon will help us drive growth and successful business results for GCR.”

Since being hired by Bridgestone, Mr. Kimpel has held a variety of positions in the company, including division marketing manager, Firestone Industrial Products; manager, planning and analysis, Firestone Diversified Products; and, most recently, executive director of marketing, Firestone Building Products.

According to Bridgestone, GCR is one of the nation's largest commercial tire and service companies with more than 200 locations in the U.S. and Eastern Canada.