Bridgestone EMEA has confirmed a significant leadership transition as Laurent Dartoux, Group President, prepares to retire. He will also step down from his roles as Vice President and Senior Officer of Bridgestone Corporation but will remain in an advisory capacity until the end of March 2025 to ensure a smooth transition.
Succeeding Laurent is Mete Ekin, an industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience in the tyre sector. Mete has played a key role in leading sales teams across the Middle East and Africa before joining the Bridgestone Joint Global COO Office in 2023. Most recently, he served as President of Core Tire Europe in 2024.
In his new role, Mete will lead the Bridgestone EMEA Management Board, reporting directly to Scott Damon, CEO of Bridgestone West, which oversees operations across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Laurent joined Bridgestone EMEA in 2014 and has been instrumental in steering the company through major industry challenges, including the global pandemic. Under his leadership, Bridgestone EMEA has made notable strides in sustainability efforts and strategic growth.
"We are deeply grateful for Laurent's contributions and thoughtful leadership throughout his career at Bridgestone," said Scott Damon, CEO of Bridgestone West and Group President of Bridgestone Americas. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to Laurent for his dedication and leadership and wish him all the best in his retirement. We also look forward to Mete's leadership. His extensive experience and strategic vision make him the ideal leader to guide Bridgestone EMEA into its next chapter."
Bridgestone Corporation’s Global CEO, Shu Ishibashi, also paid tribute to Laurent’s impact:
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Laurent for his leadership and for overcoming various important challenges in the EMEA region over the past 10 years. His contributions will serve as our cornerstone for growth as we enter the next chapter under Mete’s leadership."
With Mete Ekin taking the helm, Bridgestone EMEA is set to continue its strategic focus on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation in the tyre industry. His extensive experience in the European, Middle Eastern, and African markets positions him well to drive growth in the region.
The transition marks a significant shift for Bridgestone EMEA, reinforcing the company’s commitment to long-term resilience and leadership in the global tyre industry.
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