Toys 'R' Us exec trades toys for tires

A former executive at Toys "R" Us has joined the executive team of Bridgestone Americas.



Bridgestone named Joe Venezia as president of Bridgestone Retail Operations, effective June 19, 2017. He most recently served as executive VP of global store operations at Toys "R" Us. Venezia joined the toy retailer in 2014 as senior VP, store operations. Prior to Toys "R" Us, Venezia was senior VP of operations and head of stores for convenience-store chain The Pantry.



Bridgetone Retail Operations, a subsidiary of Nashville-based Bridgestone, operates the world's largest company-owned network of tire and automotive service centers nationwide. It has more than 2,200 tire and vehicle service centers across the United States, operating under a variety of banners, including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus, Michel Tires Plus and Wheel Works.



"In recent years, BSRO has developed and executed a singular focus on driving operational excellence and delivering a consistent, world-class customer experience across our retail store network," said TJ Higgins, president, North America integrated consumer tire group, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. "Joe's diverse retail and operational background will help us build upon our progress in those critical areas."