Bridgestone Americas’ Firestone Polymers (FSPC) division has announced the retirement of its CEO and president Bob Handlos. Handlos plans to retire at the end of 2016, and will be succeeded by Gene Lavengco, current executive director of manufacturing of FSPC, effective Oct. 1.
Lavengco has worked for FSPC for 36 years in numerous roles, including plant engineer, project manager, maintenance manager, plant manager and executive director of manufacturing. In his new role, Lavengco will be responsible for continuing the transformation of FSPC into a leader in high-tech polymer manufacturing for Bridgestone on a global basis.
“We express our sincere appreciation to Bob for his 32 years of service to Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations and FSPC. We wish him and his family a prosperous future,” said Yuji Mochizuki, vice president and officer internal manufacturing management at Bridgestone Corp. “Gene has the experience and expertise to successfully move the business forward. I’m confident that he will accomplish the transformation and make FSPC a true leader in the high-tech polymer industry.”