The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) announced its new Board of Directors following its Annual General Meeting of members held on June 4, 2025.

At that meeting, the members elected Phillip Diogenes of Bridgestone Canada Inc. as a new director. The Officers of TRAC include Chris Figel of AirBoss of America Corp. as Chair of the Board; Lawrence Kumar of Yokohama Tire (Canada) as Vice Chair; and Paul Christou of Goodyear Canada Inc. as Treasurer.

Mr. Diogenes brings two decades of leadership experience in the automotive and tire industries, working for Canadian Tire, Yokohama Tire, and now Bridgestone. His experience spans business strategy, marketing, and leadership, and he holds an MBA from the University of Leicester.

“I’m honoured to serve as TRAC’s Chair of the Board of Directors, and the Board is pleased to welcome Mr. Diogenes to the team. I’m confident his industry experience and proven business acumen will serve TRAC well,” says Chris Figel, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at AirBoss of America Corp. “I would also like to thank Pamela Scarrow for her dedicated service to TRAC as she retires from Bridgestone and steps off the Board. We wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life and career. I also extend my gratitude and the warmest welcome to returning Directors who continue to serve the Association with diligence and professionalism.”

TRAC’s 2025-2026 Board of Directors is as follows:

Directors:

  • Chris Figel (Chair), AirBoss of America Corp.
  • Lawrence Kumar (Vice-Chair), Yokohama Tire (Canada)
  • Paul Christou (Treasurer), Goodyear Canada Inc.
  • Christine Baker, Cabot Corporation
  • Michelle Black, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc.
  • Phillip Diogenes, Bridgestone Canada Inc.
  • Paul Downey, Pliteq Inc.
  • Maureen Kline, Pirelli Tire Inc.
  • Kim Rolfe, Continental Tire Canada Inc.

About the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada

The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada is the national trade association representing tire makers, rubber products manufacturers and importers as well as rubber recyclers and suppliers of goods and services related to the industry. TRAC helps shape public policy that supports tire and rubber industry innovation, performance, safety, and sustainability including end-of-life tire management.