Bridgestone Europe appoints new COO to strengthen new mobility efforts

Brussels – Bridgestone Europe NV/SA is aiming to strengthen its position in new mobility solutions within the Europe, Middle East and African (EMEA) region with the appointment of Ulf Harring as of chief operating officer (COO) EMEA.

The tire maker announced 31 Aug that the former COO and executive vice president at Bosch Siemens Home Appliances, Europe and Latin America would take over the new role 1 Sept.

Harring has also held executive roles at Daimler (Mercedes-Benz Car Group), Mitsubishi Motors and Electrolux, where he served in operations, procurement management and supply chain divisions.

Harring will be responsible for manufacturing, logistics and supply chain management, procurement, quality, environment, health and safety (QESH) and IT.

‘We are particularly enthusiastic about Ulf joining the Bridgestone team,’ said Paolo Ferrari, CEO and president of Bridgestone EMEA and executive officer of Bridgestone Corp.

‘Ulf will not just work to drive performance in our core tire operations. As part of Bridgestone EMEA senior leadership, I expect his insight and experience will provide tremendous support as Bridgestone consolidates itself as a trusted mobility solutions leader,’ Ferrari noted.

With the appointment Harring has been appointed to Bridgestone EMEA executive committee. Additionally, Emilio Tiberio, VP of research and development for EMEA, has also been appointed to the company's executive committee.

Tiberio has deep knowledge of the industry and he has many years of experience in technology and innovation.

“The automotive and tire industry is undergoing rapid change and needs to capture and respond to social, economic and technological opportunities and challenges,” explained Ferrari.

To address such rapid changes, Ferrari noted, Bridgestone will rely on its products and solutions, including DriveGuard, Bridgestone Turanza T005, Weather Control A005, Tirematics and Fleetbridge to address new mobility issues.