Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. (BFS) announced the appointment of Robert J. McNally as president of the company's Diversified Products Group.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 8 — As part of his on-going review and realignment of the company's businesses, John Lampe, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. (BFS) today announced the appointment of Robert J. McNally as president of the company's Diversified Products Group. In addition to his new position with the Diversified Products Group, McNally, who has also been promoted to senior vice president with Bridgestone/Firestone, will continue to be responsible for the company's Business Process and Information Technology Group, which includes the company's Customer Focused Solutions initiative. This move concludes the reorganization of the company's operating business units.

``As I said when I announced the consolidation of our decentralized tire operations into four business units, our emphasis will be on better information and knowledge sharing, and more direct accountability at all levels inside the company,'' said Lampe.

McNally, 54, is a native of New York and holds a degree in Management from Malone College. He began his career with the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in 1966, working in various capacities in the company's retail stores. He brings a far-ranging background to his new position, having worked in many diverse areas of the business such as finance, manufacturing, and sales, and prior to his appointment as a corporate vice president, he was president of the company's ``off-the-road'' tire business.

The Diversified Products Group consists of BFS' non-tire businesses, including industrial roofing and insulation materials, air springs, synthetic rubber and polymers, natural rubber, and fibers and textiles. Firestone is the industry leader in rubber roofing materials and its Airide brand air spring, used primarily on tractor-trailers, is considered to be the standard in the industry.

Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. is the largest subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. Bridgestone/Firestone manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and house and private brand tires. The company also produces air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber and other industrial products. It employs almost 37,000 in the United States and more than 10,000 in Canada, Mexico and Latin America.