“Carl has earned his spurs at Bridgestone and now takes on the challenge of expanding Bridgestone’s positioning as a mobility solutions provider to the mining industry, not just a tyre vendor,” says Jacques Fourie, Bridgestone Southern Africa CEO.

Carl says his priority is to ensure that Bridgestone delivers value to its customers in the mining sector, as well as the surrounding communities. “Mining is a foundational industry in many African economies, including South Africa, and we are determined to play our role in helping the industry overcome its challenges, build sustainability and grow in profitability,” he says.

“Safety, sustainability and increased productivity are important drivers in today’s mining sector, and Bridgestone is determined to play a growing role in helping mines to meet these challenges through thoroughly understanding what they need and then bringing the fruits of our massive research and development (R&D) programme to bear,” he says.

A specific issue he intends addressing in time is the recycling of the heavy tyres widely in use across the mining industry.