NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Americas Inc. has promoted Steve Hoeft to president of its Commercial Truck Group, which includes the tire maker's truck and bus radial (TBR) business unit.
The appointment is effective immediately.
Hoeft previously served as chief operating officer for the Commercial Truck Group. In his new role, he will oversee Bridgestone's go-to-market strategy for the Bridgestone and Firestone commercial TBR business, according to the company.
He and his team will work closely with commercial original equipment manufacturers and fleet customers.
Hoeft replaces Chris Ripani, who oversaw the Commercial Truck Group since 2020. Ripani now serves as chief operating officer for Sun Auto Tire & Service Inc.
Riccardo Cichi, president, core tire and chief sales officer, Bridgestone Americas, called Hoeft "an integral part of the Commercial Truck Group leadership team for the last several years."
Cichi said that Hoeft "will play a vital role with strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that propel Bridgestone into the future. We look forward to continued success under his leadership."
Hoeft joined Bridgestone in 2017 from Brinks Inc., where he worked as senior vice president and general manager of operations and product development. He also spent five years with Advance Auto Parts in management roles of increasing responsibility.
Hoeft has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Cleary University and an MBA from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.
