Bridgestone switching Indian operation to EMEA region

Brussels – Bridgestone Corp. is reorganising its strategic business units (SBUs) with the separation of India from the Asia-Pacific region as of 1 Jan 2020, the Japanese tire & rubber company announced 8 Nov.

Under the rejig, the Bridgestone India operation will join the company’s EMEA business unit, which is being renamed Bridgestone Europe, Russia, Middle East, India and Africa (BSEMIA).

The company’s three other SBUs will continue to operate under the titles Bridgestone China, Asia-Pacific; Bridgestone Americas; and Bridgestone Japan.

The transfer will unlock “untapped potential in both India and EMEA,” said Bridgestone – linking this to efforts to better align with automotive industry trends towards connected, autonomous and electric vehicles.

Bridgestone also noted retail, internet sales, OE aftersales and fleet management opportunities in India, due to the rapid expansion of automotive and tire markets in the country.

Such opportunities, the Japanese tire & rubber group stated, can be "better realised when paired with Bridgestone EMEA’s experience and expertise."

Likewise, Bridgestone EMEA expects its digital transformation to be accelerated by India’s technical skills and IT know-how. 

Bridgestone India was set up 20 years ago and has grown to become a "cornerstone" market for the company, according to Bridgestone EMEA CEO and president, Paolo Ferrari. 

Bridgestone EMIA is committed to working with India in a bid to become “a leading mobility solutions provider” across all three continents, added Ferrari.

Post-transition, Parag Satpute will continue to lead Bridgestone India as managing director, according to the company statement.