Joseph Saoud named president of Bridgestone Latin America

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Americas Inc. has promoted Joseph Saoud to president of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Latin America, succeeding Gabriel Asbun, recently named chief operating officer of Bridgestone Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

Mr. Saoud has been with Bridgestone for less than two years.

He joined the company in October 2016 as president, truck bus radial and retread tires, U.S. and Canada for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO).

In his new position, Mr. Saoud will oversee the tire maker's tire business throughout Latin America, including subsidiaries in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico.

Bridgestone Americas President and CEO Gordon Knapp said Mr. Saoud has shown strong leadership in his previous position, "delivering continuous growth and positive business results, always ensuring operational excellence and talent development.

"Latin America is a vibrant region and represents an important business for our Americas and global operations," Mr. Knapp said.

"Joseph's global perspective, in-country experience, broad management expertise and diverse background will be crucial to ensure the continued success and growth of the organization."

Bridgestone did not name his successor at this time.

Before joining Bridgestone, Mr. Saoud held positions of increasing responsibility during a 20-year career at Cummins Inc. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi as well as a master's degree from Vanderbilt University.

Mr. Asbun joined Bridgestone in 2012 after 22 years experience at Kellogg and Booz Allen & Hamilton.