Bridgestone Americas has announced that Scott Damon has been named president, commercial group, U.S. and Canada for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, effective Oct. 1.

Damon will oversee all business operations within the commercial tire portfolio, succeeding Kurt Danielson, who is retiring after 23 years with the company. Damon will be responsible for leading the company’s commercial tire sales and service operations in North America, which includes truck and bus radial tires, off-the-road tires, Firestone agricultural tires, the Bandag retread business, and commercial retail operations.

Danielson has been in his current role as president of U.S. and Canada commercial tire sales since May 2014. He joined Bridgestone in 1994 as a territory manager in Cincinnati, Ohio, and throughout his tenure progressed through numerous leadership positions within the company.

"Kurt's leadership has been instrumental in growing our commercial tire and service business, and he has positioned the team for continued success after his retirement," said Gordon Knapp, CEO and president, Bridgestone Americas. "Scott started his Bridgestone career in the Commercial organizations and has since gained diversified leadership experience across the Bridgestone portfolio. We are eager to bring his talents to such a pivotal role within the company."

Damon joined Bridgestone in 1996 as a development engineer for Bandag, which was acquired by Bridgestone Americas in 2007. During his career with Bridgestone, Damon has served in various roles including executive director of strategic planning for the Bridgestone Americas Technical Center and, most recently, president of Firestone Industrial Products.

He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, earned an MBA from Frostburg State University, and completed certificate studies in executive leadership and management at the University of Notre Dame.