NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Americas Inc. has promoted Charlie Rule to president, Americas Tire Operations, Latin America, succeeding Joseph Saoud, who has left Bridgestone to pursue other career opportunities.
Mr. Rule, who joined Bridgestone in 2017 as vice president of operations for Latin America, will be responsible for the company's tire businesses throughout Latin America with full profit/loss responsibility and will continue to lead category strategy, product planning, marketing, branding and marketing communications.
Prior to joining Bridgestone, he held marketing positions with Tate & Lyle, Kellogg Co. and Kraft Foods Group both domestically and internationally, including assignments throughout Latin America, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
"Charlie has played a significant role in the transformation of our Latin America business, shaping our go-to market approach, driving efficiencies and increasing our market share," according to Gabriel Asbun, group president, Americas Tire Business, Bridgestone Americas.
"Charlie's broad international experience, coupled with his extensive understanding of our region and of our business, make him the right leader to take BATO LA to the next phase of development."
He will continue to be based in Nashville and report to Mr. Asbun.
Mr. Saoud had been with Bridgestone for less than two years when he was named president of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Latin America in 2018.