Bridgestone’s current regional head Stefano Sanchini is set to leave the role to serve as the new VP and managing director of Bridgestone India.
Since his appointment in 2019, Bridgestone has strengthened its leading position as a market leader in the Middle East and Africa while transitioning into a position to providing effective mobility solutions in the region.
Current VP Region for Bridgestone Southern Africa Jacques Fourie will move to VP and managing director for Middle East & Africa region, effective from January 1, 2023.
Parag Satpute, the current MD of Bridgestone India, will take on a new global position in Bridgestone’s Solutions Business and be based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Fourie joined Bridgestone in 2019, and the firm says he has been instrumental in revitalising the business in Southern Africa. He will continue to oversee the Bridgestone Southern Africa as well as take on the legacy Middle East and Africa businesses, bringing the two regions together under a single leadership.
“Leading Bridgestone Southern Africa and working with a committed team to watch the division grow and gain leadership has been a rewarding experience,” said Fourie. “The past few years have been both satisfying and challenging, and I am happy to see the positive outcomes of our efforts. I am also delated and looking forward to contributing to Bridgestone MEA’s aspirations to become a global provider of mobility solutions, as well as to advance the organisation’s goals to deliver high-quality solutions to its customers.”
Bridgestone explained that these changes in leadership also reflect the transformation journey of the respective businesses and their integration into Bridgestone Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa (EMIA), while recognising the relevant leaders who have driven positive results and demonstrated leadership qualities in the face of unprecedented challenges.
“Joining the Bridgestone India team is truly exciting, as I will have the chance to work cohesively with a dynamic group of individuals and strengthen our presence in the country through innovative solutions,” said Sanchini.
“Bridgestone has a significant role to play within the region’s automotive industry as it transitions to new technologies and mobility solutions, particularly with the rapid development of sustainable solutions as part of our ‘E8 Commitment.’ Together, we look forward to developing and integrating effective strategies for Bridgestone, maximising value for all our customers and maintaining the company’s growth momentum in India, especially as the industry continues to evolve to accommodate new trends and address shifting needs of partner industries.”
