NASHVILLE — Philip Dobbs, a key leader in Bridgestone Americas Inc.'s brand-awareness efforts for more than a decade, is planning to retire in October.
Mr. Dobbs, the chief marketing officer (CMO), "has been instrumental in elevating the company's brand building efforts in the U.S. and Canada, driving significant improvements in brand awareness, familiarity and purchase intent for both the Bridgestone and Firestone brands," the company said.
Under his leadership, the company has worked to globalize its brand portfolio to ensure a consistent go-to-market strategy and messaging platform that connects with consumers around the world, the company said.
"I've had the privilege of working closely with Philip for many years, and I have seen firsthand his passion for our brands, our teammates and the global Bridgestone organization," Paolo Ferrari, global chief business solutions officer, Bridgestone Corp., and president and CEO, Bridgestone Americas, said.
"On behalf of Bridgestone, I congratulate Philip on his retirement and thank him for his vision, leadership and innumerable contributions to our company."
He joined Bridgestone Americas in 2011 as CMO, moving to the tire company from a similar position at TruGreen Companies L.L.C. Prior to that, he had worked at a number of companies overseeing marketing efforts for brands such as Sealy, Cadbury, Heinz, Kraft and Fruit of the Loom.
Mr. Dobbs led the digital transformation at Bridgestone, the company said, by overhauling the company's consumer and commercial web experiences. Starting in 2014, Mr. Dobbs led a cross-functional, cross-business effort that established a digital platform focused on delivering shopping and buying solutions in both the B2C and B2B spaces.
Mr. Dobbs also worked to reshape Bridgestone's sports marketing strategy in the Americas, playing a key role in negotiating and activating Bridgestone's worldwide Olympic and Paralympic partnership. The company said he has long been a champion of Firestone's continued partnership with the NTT Indycar series and the Indianapolis 500. Bridgestone is the official tire supplier to the series.
A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Mr. Dobbs is a supporter and executive sponsor of the company's BRAVO employee resource group that supports veterans and engages teammates in fellowship of service. He also has been active in the local community on behalf of Bridgestone, most recently serving on the board of directors for the Nashville Predators Foundation.
Bridgestone said it will name a successor for Mr. Dobbs at a later date.
