U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association Elects Yokohama Tire Corporation’s Jeff Barna as Board Chair
October 10, 2024
WASHINGTON, October 10, 2024 – The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) today announced the election of Jeff Barna, President and CEO of Yokohama Tire Corporation, as Chair of the Board of Directors. Barna will serve a two-year term through October 2026. The USTMA Board also elected Matthew Cabe, President and CEO of Michelin North America, Inc. as a new Director.
As Chair, Barna succeeds Alexis Garcin, President and CEO of Michelin North America, Inc., who is stepping down from the USTMA Board to undertake a new role at 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,” added 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 Yokohama Tire Corporation in 2017 as Chief Operating Officer and became CEO in 2021. He brings 30 years of management, operations and sales experience, covering both North and South American markets. 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.
Matthew Cabe was appointed president and CEO of Michelin North America, Inc. effective October 1, succeeding Alexis Garcin. Since 2021, Cabe served as senior vice president of the Michelin Group’s automotive regional brands business line 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.
The USTMA Board, its members and staff thank Alexis Garcin, president and CEO of Michelin North America, Inc. who served as Board Chair since 2023. “Under Garcin's direction, the USTMA created a 6PPD Consortium consisting of 32 global tire manufacturers to work with California regulators, created and launched the Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF), advanced the industry’s position on the management of end-of-life tire markets, and forged unprecedented global and domestic partnerships.”
“I am extremely proud of the work we’ve achieved with unprecedented drive and dedication,” said 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.”