·      NZ tyre industry stalwart John Staples announces his retirement, sparking changes within Australian retail business.

·      Bridgestone names Jon Tamblyn as next Director of NZ Business.

·      Roger Saliba to move into General Manager Retail Operations Australia role.

ADELAIDE, South Australia (21 November 2024) – Australia & New Zealand’s most trusted tyre brand, Bridgestone, will see a change of leadership across the New Zealand business and Australian retail network in 2025 stemming from the retirement of longstanding Director of New Zealand Business, John Staples.  

Mr Staples’ retirement has triggered management changes within Bridgestone Australia’s retail network of Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto and Bridgestone Service Centre stores.

He will be succeeded by Bridgestone Australia General Manager – Retail Operations, Jon Tamblyn, who will relocate to New Zealand in the new year, and General Manager Sales, Roger Saliba will move into Mr Tamblyn’s current role.  

According to Mr Staples, the timing was right for a changing of the guard as he reflected on his countless achievements in his tenure with Bridgestone.

"I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and support I've received throughout my career at Bridgestone. It's been an honour to lead our New Zealand business and to work with such dedicated teammates and loyal customers,” Mr Staples said.

“I have full confidence that Jon Tamblyn will continue to drive the business forward with the same passion and commitment that has always been at the heart of the Bridgestone New Zealand team."

Commencing his new role in New Zealand 1 January, 2025, Jon Tamblyn brings nearly two decades of experience to the role, having started with Bridgestone as a graduate Mechanical Engineer back in 2007 in the role of Original Equipment Engineer.

From his initial role in Bridgestone, Mr Tamblyn advanced through the business in varying functions including Group Technical Field Service Manager (Australia and New Zealand) and National Commercial and Solution Business Manager Australia. Since 2022, he has held his current role of General Manager, Retail Operations Australia.

Mr Tamblyn appreciates the big shoes he has to fill and looks forward to building on the legacy of Mr Staples to amplify the business in New Zealand to even greater heights.

“It’s a wonderful honour to be given the opportunity to lead the Bridgestone business in New Zealand, and I’m looking forward to building on the incredible work John Staples contributed throughout his notable career,” Mr Tamblyn said.

“John’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction have left an indelible mark on the business and the broader industry, and my intention is to continue to strengthen Bridgestone’s market leading reputation through the next era of the business,” he added.

Mr Tamblyn’s successor in Australia, Roger Saliba, boasts more than 13 years’ experience with Bridgestone. Commencing with the business as an Account Manager in 2011, he has progressed through various roles in the sales team including National Account Manager Government/Fleet and National Sales Manager before his role as General Manager Sales from 2022.

Prior to his time at Bridgestone, Mr Saliba ran a successful building company making him well versed in understanding the pressures that small business owners face, relatable to the Bridgestone franchise network.

Throughout his tenure at Bridgestone, Mr Saliba has continued to prove himself as an outcome driven, passionate and dedicated leader with the knowledge and experience to head up the Bridgestone Australia Retail and Operations network with the support of the state-based teams.

“Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto has become one of the iconic tyre and automotive suppliers, and I’m thrilled to be taking over from Jon Tamblyn in the General Manager Retail Operations role,” Mr Saliba said.

“I’m looking forward to combining my small business and tyre industry experience to continue to grow Bridgestone’s retail network.”

“Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto has become one of the iconic tyre and automotive suppliers, and I’m thrilled to be taking over from Jon Tamblyn in the General Manager Retail Operations role,” Mr Saliba said.

“I’m looking forward to combining my small business and tyre industry experience to continue to grow Bridgestone’s retail network.”

Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Heath Barclay, believes that the new appointments build on a legacy of delivering great outcomes, and the leadership and experience of both Mr Tamblyn and Mr Saliba make them ideal for their respective new roles. 

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to John Staples for his unquestionable contribution to Bridgestone throughout his 44-year career and wish him all the best for his well-deserved retirement,” Mr Barclay said.

“John Staples has been a significant contributor to the New Zealand business, it was never going to be a simple feat to replace him, but Jon Tamblyn brings the ideal mix of knowledge, passion and innovation to the role. His versatility, leadership, drive and dedication make him well-prepared to lead Bridgestone in New Zealand.

“Within Australia, our flagship retail network, Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto remains in safe hands under the leadership of Roger Saliba. With a strong reputation within the industry from his sales roles and the excellent relationships he has fostered within our network, I have no doubt he will continue to strengthen the network into the future,” he said.

Mr Saliba’s replacement as General Manager Sales will be announced in due course.

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