Eric Higgs has been named President, Truck, Bus and Retread Tires, U.S. and Canada, BATO, effective September 1, 2018.

Eric succeeds Joseph Saoud, who recently assumed the position of president, BATO Latin America. Prior to this appointment, Higgs was Vice President of marketing, commercial group, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO).

As president, Higgs will lead sales, distribution and integrated business planning for the commercial tire and retread business in North America. He also will oversee the development and delivery of innovative new products, technologies, and services.

“This is a pivotal time for our industry as new technologies and data-driven platforms are impacting the way fleet owners and managers do business,” said Scott Damon, President, commercial group, U.S. and Canada, BATO. “Eric has demonstrated his ability to anticipate these shifts and pioneer new ways to create value for our customers and dealers. His commitment to making mobility more efficient for fleet customers makes him the right person to take on the role of president, and I look forward to the development of the team under his leadership.”

Higgs brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in global business roles to his new position. He joined Bridgestone in 2016 and has been instrumental in driving growth for the commercial truck, retread, and off-the-road tire businesses through brand-building programs and customer-centric marketing initiatives.

Steve Sutherland, current Executive Director, sales, distribution and global accounts, Firestone Ag, will assume the role of Vice President of marketing, commercial group, U.S. and Canada, BATO. In this role, Sutherland will lead the overarching marketing strategy for the commercial group and have direct marketing oversight for the commercial truck, Bandag retread, off-the-road (OTR) and Firestone Ag tire businesses.