Toyo Tires Promotes Four Sales Management Leaders

Veteran tire industry executives take on expanded roles at Toyo Tires U.S.A.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:51am

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Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has announced the promotion of four members of its sales management team, effective March 1. Ken Cole, Shawn Blythe, Bill Carroll, and Steven Shearer have been elevated to director-level roles across sales, strategic accounts, retail channels, and operations. The promotions reflect Toyo's commitment to internal leadership development and continued growth in a changing tire market.

Why it matters

These leadership changes at Toyo Tires come at a critical time for the tire industry, which is facing shifting consumer preferences, supply chain challenges, and the rise of new mobility technologies. Toyo's decision to promote from within signals its focus on maintaining stability and continuity as it navigates these market changes.

The details

Ken Cole, with over 25 years of tire industry experience, has been promoted to director of sales, commercial accounts. Shawn Blythe, who has been with Toyo for over 5 years, is now the director of strategic accounts distribution. Bill Carroll, who has held various sales roles at Toyo, is the new director of the national retail channel, car channel, and motorsports tires. Steven Shearer, who joined Toyo in 2012, has been appointed director of sales, operations and training.

  • The promotions took effect on March 1, 2026.
  • Bill Barfield, the previous director of sales for commercial accounts, retired at the end of 2025.
  • Anne Holland, the previous director of sales, operations and training, will retire at the end of March 2026.

The players

Ken Cole

Ken Cole started at Toyo Tires in 2017 and has over 25 years of experience in the tire industry. He has been promoted to director of sales, commercial accounts.

Shawn Blythe

Shawn Blythe has been with Toyo Tires for over five years and has been promoted to director of strategic accounts distribution.

Bill Carroll

Bill Carroll has previously served in various sales roles at Toyo Tires and is now the director of the national retail channel, car channel, and motorsports tires.

Steven Shearer

Steven Shearer joined Toyo Tires in 2012 and has been appointed director of sales, operations and training.

Mike Snyder

Mike Snyder is the vice president of sales at Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.

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What they’re saying

“I am honored for the opportunity and look forward to helping lead Toyo's continued growth in the commercial tire business. We have a great sales team, and we will continue to focus on delivering high-quality commercial tires through the best servicing dealers in the industry.”

— Ken Cole, director of sales, commercial accounts

“Toyo's success has been built on strong partnerships with our customers, our dealers, and our talented team at Toyo. I look forward to continuing to grow those relationships and deliver results and the reliability that our customers trust every day.”

— Shawn Blythe, director, strategic accounts distribution

“I will continue to bring my passion forward in my new director role and expand Toyo's presence in the market. Toyo makes a fantastic product, and I am passionate about supporting our dealers, consumers, and commercial needs.”

— Bill Carroll, director, national retail channel, car channel, and motorsports tires

“My goal is to continue advancing sales programs, tools, and communications that improve the ease of doing business and drive success for both Toyo Tires and our customers. I am committed to supporting our dealers, and their success is central to everything we do.”

— Steven Shearer, director of sales, operations and training

“Ken, Shawn, Bill, and Steve have shown strong leadership as senior managers of their respective teams and have been integral in the success of Toyo over the years. Their promotions are well deserved and have enabled Toyo to solidify the mid-level management team that carries the organization into the future. I'm confident that their leadership will ensure the company's continued growth over the coming years.”

— Mike Snyder, vice president, sales, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.

The takeaway

Toyo Tires' decision to promote experienced leaders from within its ranks demonstrates the company's commitment to stability, continuity, and internal talent development as it navigates a changing tire industry landscape. These strategic leadership changes position Toyo for continued growth and success in the years ahead.