Bridgestone India To Join EMEA Region From 2020

Bridgestone has announced that from 1 January 2020, its India business will fall into the EMEA Strategic Business Unit (SBU), transferring from the China Asia-Pacific SBU. As a result, Bridgestone Europe, Russia, Middle East and Africa (BSEMEA) will become Bridgestone Europe, Russia, Middle East, India and Africa (BSEMIA), one of four SBUs globally, alongside Bridgestone China Asia-Pacific, Bridgestone Americas, and Bridgestone Japan. The integration of Bridgestone India into EMEA comes as a result of Bridgestone EMEA’s ongoing transformation capitalizing on the opportunities digitalization offers to pioneer mobility solutions that meet the needs of customers for convenience, efficiency, and sustainability.

Parag Satpute will continue to lead Bridgestone India as Managing Director. This change also means that Bridgestone India will join the recently announced Bridgestone Emerging Markets division, alongside the company’s businesses in Africa, the Middle East, and Russia. This transfer will unlock untapped potential in both India and EMEA. As a result of the rapid expansion of the Indian automotive and tyre market, there is a great opportunity in the retail, internet sales, original equipment aftersales, and, in particular, fleets spaces – opportunities that can be better realized when paired with Bridgestone EMEA’s experience and expertise. Likewise, Bridgestone EMEA’s digital transformation can be accelerated by India’s tech skills and IT know-how. 

Speaking on this announcement was Bridgestone EMEA CEO and President, Paolo Ferrari: “India is a market with huge potential – potential that is definitely being met. Bridgestone India is only 20 years old, in that time we’ve seen growth in the country build and build to make it a cornerstone market; today we’re the largest premium tyre producer in the country, employing over 3,200 people.” 

Addressing the announcement, Bridgestone India Managing Director Parag Satpute said: “This integration will enable Bridgestone India to offer Indian consumers convenience, efficiency, and sustainability through mobility solutions. It will also speed up bringing new business models aimed to create superior value for our customers and channel partners. With our manufacturing footprint and ongoing investments, we are a part committed to the Make in India movement.