Operations

Bridgestone appoints new president of Speedco

Oct. 29, 2015

Chris Ripani to lead business unit that provides on-highway truck lubrication, routine tire services to commercial truck owner-operators and fleets

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations appointed Chris Ripani as president of Speedco. Ripani succeeds Scott Damon who was named president of Firestone Industrial Products. Ripani will lead implementation of the newly formed growth strategy for Speedco.“Chris has proven himself as a dynamic leader in the commercial business,” said Kurt Danielson, president, U.S. & Canada commercial tire sales. “He has the knowledge and leadership skills that will help take the Speedco business to the next level and his leadership will further drive growth for the commercial division of Bridgestone.”Ripani began his career at Bridgestone in 2001 as a territory sales manager for Bridgestone Commercial Solutions. Shortly after, he assumed positions of increasing responsibility within the commercial tire division, including channel marketing manager; director of marketing, communications and services; and director of marketing, strategic brands and channels.According to the company, he accepted his most recent role of executive director of marketing, Bridgestone Commercial Stores Division in 2013, and has been a key leader in developing and implementing a go-to-market strategy for GCR Tires & Service.Prior to joining Bridgestone, Ripani gained experience working with Bauer Built, CarMax, Falken Tire Corporation and Sears Tire Group, the company added. Speedco, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, provides on-highway truck lubrication and routine tire services to commercial truck owner-operators and fleets.