Bridgestone Strengthens Sales Leadership in Europe
Bridgestone today announced a leadership appointment in Europe that is designed to strengthen customer focus, simplify engagement across product groups and support the company's continued growth ambitions. Effective 1 October 2026, Stefano Sanchini will be appointed President, Europe Sales. In this newly expanded role, he will lead Bridgestone's European sales organisation across both Consumer and Commercial businesses, bringing together sales activities across passenger car, truck and bus, agriculture, off-the-road, motorcycle and OE.
"Our customers increasingly operate across multiple product categories and expect a consistent experience wherever they engage with Bridgestone," said Mete Ekin, Group President EMEA. "By bringing our sales activities together under one European structure, we are creating a simpler, more connected organisation that will help us respond faster, collaborate more effectively and continue building strong partnerships with our customers."
Sanchini brings more than two decades of international leadership experience in the automotive and tire industry, with a career spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India. Since joining Bridgestone in 2017, he has held a number of senior leadership positions across the business, including Managing Director of Bridgestone India.
Most recently, as Vice President leading the Consumer Replacement business in Europe, he has been instrumental in strengthening customer engagement, commercial performance, profitability and market growth across the region. His experience combines a strong track record of delivering results with a deep understanding of customers, markets and the complexity of operating across diverse European countries.
This appointment reflects Bridgestone's continued commitment to strengthening customer relationships, accelerating commercial execution and simplifying the way it operates across markets. In his new role, Sanchini will focus on delivering sustainable growth while building the capabilities and partnerships needed to support Bridgestone's long-term strategy and ambitions in Europe.
Media information: Sofie Bronserud, Communications Director, Bridgestone
About Bridgestone in Europe, the Middle East and Africa
Bridgestone in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (Bridgestone EMEA) is the regional Strategic Business Unit of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tyres and sustainable mobility solutions. Headquartered in Zaventem (Belgium), Bridgestone EMEA employs more than 14,000 people and conducts business in 35 countries across the region.
Bridgestone offers a diverse portfolio of premium tyres, tyre technologies and advanced mobility solutions. The company’s vision is to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment is a broad, global corporate commitment that clearly defines the value the company is promising to deliver to society, our customers and future generations in eight focus areas; Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment. These provide a compass to guide strategic priorities, decision making and actions throughout every area of the business.
For more information about Bridgestone in EMEA, please visit our newsroom and www.bridgestone.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.