Ex-Pirelli exec to lead Bridgestone Europe

Brussels – Bridgestone has appointed Paolo Ferrari to the role of president and chief executive officer (CEO) of its Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) business unit based in Zaventem, Belgium.

Franco Annunziato, who previously held the position of CEO of Bridgestone EMEA, was appointed Executive Chairman and CEO of Bridgestone China Asia Pacific in January 2016.

Ferrari joins Bridgestone from Pirelli where, most recently, he served as the CEO of Pirelli’s LATAM (Latin America) division. Prior to that had been CEO and Chairman of the North American business.

Ferrari has held various chief executive roles with the Telecom Italia Group in Italy, Germany, and the UK across multiple business units.

“We are excited to welcome Paolo to Bridgestone. He is a proven global leader who will drive innovation, performance, and engagement while respecting Bridgestone’s core values,” said Eduardo Minardi, executive chairman and acting CEO, Bridgestone Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

Ferrari holds a bachelor of business and economics from Università Bocconi and a MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University.