Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Andrew Moffatt has announced his intention to retire at the end of September 2018, with Stephen Roche named as his successor.
Mr Moffatt’s retirement will bring to a close a 25-year tenure with the leading tyre brand after joining the company in July 1993 as National Finance & Operations Manager. In 1994 he was promoted to Group Financial Controller before being appointed to the Board of Directors as Director of Finance in 1997.
In 2009 he became Bridgestone’s Senior Executive Director, responsible for Tyre Sales and Marketing, before making history in 2013 when he was made the first non-Japanese Managing Director of both of Bridgestone’s local subsidiaries, Bridgestone Australia Limited and Bridgestone New Zealand Limited.
Following a highly successful term as Managing Director, Mr Moffatt believes he steps down with Bridgestone in good shape.
“We are the leading tyre company in Australia and New Zealand and are considered the most trusted brand by consumers in both countries. I believe we have respect in the industry for our customer service, good environmental practices, focus on safety, quality products and for continuously evolving our commercial business solutions offering,” Mr Moffatt said.
“Bridgestone is ready for whatever the future brings. There are a number of exciting developments planned and in progress that will keep us ahead of industry trends and innovation and strengthen our status as Australia and New Zealand’s leading tyre company.”
In his 25 years with the business, Mr Moffatt has seen significant growth in the number of Bridgestone retail stores, which together form a network surpassing 450 locations across Australia and New Zealand. He also played a hands on role in the acquisition of Bandag Manufacturing Pty. Ltd. in 2000, which has subsequently become a core component of Bridgestone’s industry leading Total Tyre Management commercial solutions offering.
Mr Moffatt feels it is not his business achievements that define his legacy, but his strong commitment to serving society in various ways such as through Bridgestone’s charity partners, the Leukaemia Foundation in Australia, and Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, road safety education initiative RYDA, and environmental stewardship through membership and an active role in Tyre Stewardship Australia.
“I hope to be remembered for raising the profile of the tyre industry in a positive light through Bridgestone’s contribution to society, and ethical operation of the company’s business,” he said.
“I’m proud of the action we’ve taken in trying to resolve the issue of end-of-life tyres in Australia and New Zealand. There is still a long way to go, but we are doing something positive about it.
“Bridgestone has an exceptional team committed to serving customers with safety as a priority. I’m going to miss the business and its people for years to come,” Mr Moffatt added.
Stephen Roche joins Bridgestone on Monday, 2 July and will work closely with Andrew Moffatt until his retirement at the end of September.
“Firstly, I would like to congratulate Andrew on his outstanding career. I am looking forward to joining Bridgestone, and importantly continuing the evolution of this great company and extraordinary brand, through the talented team in Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Roche said.
Previously Mr Roche was the CEO and Managing Director of top 200 ASX company Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (API) for more than 10 years, during which he led the growth of 450 Priceline stores and a turnover in excess of $3.8 billion. In addition, he initiated and chaired The Priceline Sisterhood Foundation, a registered charity which supports women and their families across Australia.
“Bridgestone will remain in safe hands under the leadership of Stephen Roche. He brings extensive experience which will see Bridgestone continue to set the benchmark in the tyre industry,” Mr Moffatt added.
Mr Roche holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in Banking & Finance from the University of South Australia, is an alumni of Columbus University’s Senior Executive Program and a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
