Bridgestone UK has started the new year by strengthening its sales team with the appointment of Drew Chapman as national accounts manager.

Alongside the new appointment, the company has had an internal restructure in order to generate new sales leads and re-engage with its existing customers.

Chapman brings 20 years’ automotive experience to the role, having spent time at Hankook and Arval.

Brett Emerson, consumer business unit director, who was promoted to the role at Bridgestone in 2019, said: “Drew’s appointment is an exciting one for the business.

“He has over 20 years’ experience in the automotive industry and I know his proactivity and professionalism will be an asset to the consumer sales team.

“I’m thrilled to be working with a talented team with a diverse range of skills as a whole.”

Bridgestone restructured its consumer sales team, with a promotion for Sally Smith, who will take on a key account sales manager role, after spending seven years as an account executive.

Keith Thomas has also been promoted as Bridgestone UK’s strategic partnership manager after a period as UK sales manager.

Brett shares responsibility for continuing to develop Bridgestone’s position in the UK and Ireland as a leader in mobility solutions, providing real solutions to the real problems that drivers face on the road every day.

Emerson added: “The internal appointments are rewards for a number of impressive contributions from colleagues over many years and I know that each member of the team will help us achieve our goals in 2020.

“Bridgestone’s premium product portfolio is amongst the very best in the industry and with this new-look consumer team boasting so much knowledge and experience, there is a great deal to be optimistic and excited about in the future.”