Mr Hayden started at Bridgestone in November 1984 as product/OEM/motorsport coordinator at Salisbury, Adelaide, before moving into the OE engineering manager role and then overseeing Bridgestone’s OE department.

Prior to his retirement, he served as national OE and account manager at the head office in Adelaide.

Bridgestone said the “robust relationship” it maintains with commercial manufacturers PACCAR and Volvo Group, as well as many of Australia’s leading trailer manufacturers such as Vawdrey and MaxiTrans, was a direct result of Mr Hayden’s efforts over the years.

“Throughout his career, Mr Hayden was also instrumental in the development of original equipment tyres throughout the glory years of local car manufacturing,” Bridgestone said.

“Working closely with GM-Holden, Ford, Toyota and Mitsubishi, he played a key role in developing Australia’s highest-ever selling passenger tyre, the iconic RE92: OE fitment on Commodore, Falcon, Camry and Magna.”

Mr Hayden also served as the South Australian president and national vice president of the Federation of Automotive Products Manufacturers, advocating for the parts supplier industry.

Throughout his tenure as OE manager, Bridgestone Australia won numerous industry accolades including Supplier of the Year from Toyota, GM-Holden, Mitsubishi, Kenworth and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

Mr Hayden was also pivotal in Bridgestone’s partnership with the Holden Dealer Team, Peter Brock and the brand’s involvement with the Bathurst 1000 and Australian Touring Car Championship/V8 Supercars – particularly with the Holden Racing Team.

By Neil Dowling