The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - John Lampe, who led a turnaround at Bridgestone/Firestone after a recall of millions of tires linked to fatal accidents, Wednesday said he is retiring in March as chief executive of Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc.

"I believe it is a time for a change," Lampe said during a conference call to 45,000 employees of the Nashville-based company, a unit of Japan's Bridgestone.

"My heart is telling me I can stay. My head is telling me it's time for a fresh set of eyes, a new perspective, an increased energy level."

Lampe, 56, whose first job was changing tires at a Cincinnati Firestone store 30 years ago, became CEO of the American subsidiary of Tokyo-based Bridgestone in October 2000. After his retirement March 31, he will remain on the Bridgestone board.

He will be replaced by Mark Emkes, 50, who has been chief executive and president of the North American tire unit of Bridgestone Americas since fall 2002.