Bridgestone Europe, Middle East, India and Africa appointed Jacques Fourie as the Vice President and Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa region. He will assume his new role as the VP for Middle East and Africa region on January 1, 2023, in addition to continuing his position as the Group CEO of Southern Africa holdings - which includes BSAF, Supa Quick, Otraco and Bandag. Fourie brings over 21 years of experience and joined the Bridgestone Group in 2019 as the Group CEO for its South African operations.

He has been instrumental in delivering a culture of transformation across the company, which led to restored profitability, market share growth, certification as a Top Employer and BBB-EE level 1 contributor (a transformational programme by the South African government that addresses inequality) and the acquisition of the mining solutions company Otraco into Bridgestone EMIA. Fourie completed his honours bachelor's degree in Finance and attended Business school at Gordons Institute for Business Studies (GIBS) and London Business School (LBS). Fourie succeeded Stefano Sanchini, previous VP of Bridgestone MEA, and will spearhead the company's operations in the Middle East and Africa region, integrating the two regions under one leadership.