Previously, Minardi concurrently served as Chief Operating Officer for Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) and Chairman, CEO & President of Bridgestone Tire Operations (BATO) along with his position as BSEU's Executive Chairman, a role he assumed 1 January. Commenting on Minardi's move to the European headquarters, Franco Annunziato, CEO and President of BSEU, said: "The announcement made today − deploying strong global management talent across Strategic Business Unit (SBU) lines − clearly underscores Bridgestone's continuing commitment to strong corporate governance, cultivating a global corporate culture and utilising the organisation's strengths as a global network to advance the development and promotion of diverse talent with unique and different perspectives. "I am excited to have Eduardo join with the BSEU team in Brussels and for the opportunity to work even more closely with him.