The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has named Jeff Barna, president and CEO of Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC), as the new chair of its board of directors.
Barna will serve a two-year term through October 2026.
The USTMA board also has elected Matthew Cabe, new president and CEO of Michelin North America Inc., as a new director.
Barna succeeds Alexis Garcin, whom Cabe recently replaced as president and CEO of Michelin.
“I am honored to be elected to the role of chair of the USTMA board during a time of substantial innovation and progress in the U.S. tire manufacturing industry,” said Barna.
“By fostering a culture of collaboration with the other board members and allied leaders, policymakers, key stakeholders and our value chain, we will achieve new milestones that drive our shared vision forward to deliver sustainable growth and impactful solutions for our sector, our environment and the communities we serve.”
“Jeff is an accomplished and highly regarded business leader,” says Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and CEO.
“His deep industry expertise, extensive global leadership and clear-eyed perspective will further solidify USTMA’s strong legacy with our members, supporting them through industry challenges, while championing an innovative approach to tire sustainability efforts.”
Barna joined YTC in 2017 as chief operating officer and became CEO of the company in 2021.
“He brings 30 years of management, operations and sales experience, covering both the north and south American markets,” say USTMA officials. “He has built enterprise value and accelerated growth by identifying new revenue capabilities and enhanced market strategies.
With his experiences in international business and active board roles, he brings cultural and creative opportunities to advance the organization’s purpose.”
Cabe was appointed president and CEO of Michelin on Oct. 1. Since 2021, he served as senior vice president of the Michelin Group’s automotive regional brands business, which is based in Budapest, Hungary.
Across his nearly 20-year tenure with Michelin, he has held leadership roles in engineering, manufacturing, marketing and other commercial functions in North America, Europe and at the global level.
“I am extremely proud of the work we’ve achieved with unprecedented drive and dedication,” says Garcin. “I am confident that as the incoming board chair, Jeff will continue to advance our mission and purpose with renewed vigor.
“With his support, I fully trust that USTMA will continue to develop our industry and position it as a thoughtful and leading one on the key societal and environmental topics related to mobility.”
