The Tire Industry Association, a leader in tire safety, has announced Richard Smallwood, president and CEO, Sumitomo Rubber North America Inc., as the 2017 Tire Industry Honors keynote speaker. The Tire Industry Honors, sponsored by Michelin, will be held in Las Vegas at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel from 6-8 p.m on Monday, Oct. 30th.

Smallwood’s speech will focus on the advent of driverless cars – the greatest change in highway travel in more than a century. He will address how this impact will increase vehicle miles traveled and how tire and auto part sizes are expected to be more uniform in size, that will significantly reduce inventory. By 2025, industry leaders are predicting 24 million driverless vehicles on the highway.

Smallwood has been in the tire and rubber industry for 30 years. Throughout his career, Smallwood has held the roles of vice president of sales and marketing, and chief operating officer, with Falken Tire Corp. He also currently serves as an executive officer of Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., and previously served as a member of the board of directors for SRI Tire Trading Ltd. Smallwood received a Bachelors of Arts degree in organizational communication at California State University Stanislaus and a Master in Business Administration in business at Pepperdine University.

“We are excited to have Richard speak at our 2017 Tire Industry Honors awards ceremony,” said Roy Littlefield, executive vice president, Tire Industry Association. “Richard has proven himself as a selfless leader and key player within the tire industry and we are looking forward to having him join us, our honorees, members and guests for an incredible evening.”

Every year, the Tire Industry Honors recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted the tire, rubber and transportation industries. To register for the 2017 Global Tire Expo, click here.