The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is proud to announce that its CEO, Dick Gust, has joined the inaugural Board of Directors for the Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF), a joint initiative led by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and TIA
The TRF’s mission is to foster innovation, accelerate sustainability, and support research and development efforts to advance tire recycling and the circular economy.
Gust, a long-time advocate for sustainability in the tire industry, will bring his extensive leadership experience to TRF’s Board, helping to drive the Foundation’s goal of achieving 100% tyre recycling and expanding the market for innovative end-of-life tyre (ELT) solutions. The TRF’s inaugural Board includes 15 global leaders with deep expertise in the tyre manufacturing, recycling, and transportation sectors, positioning the Foundation to make significant strides in sustainable tire management.
The TRF’s Board will focus on critical initiatives aimed at enhancing tyre reuse markets, securing funding for innovation, and advancing the development of emerging technologies like rubber-modified asphalt (RMA), which helps improve the performance and sustainability of road surfaces. The Foundation’s long-term goal is to achieve 100% circularity for end-of-life tires by 2030, a milestone that will have a transformative impact on the environment and the tyre industry.
“It is an honour to be part of the Tire Recycling Foundation’s efforts to advance sustainable tyre recycling,” said Dick Gust, CEO of TIA. “The tyre industry is at a pivotal moment, with tremendous opportunities to improve the circularity of tyre products and reduce their environmental footprint. I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board Members and industry stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions and ensure that the tyre recycling supply chain continues to evolve for the benefit of both industry and the planet.”
As part of its fundraising efforts, the TRF aims to raise $300,000 in 2025 to support critical projects focused on tyre recycling research, education, and demonstration initiatives. A longer-term goal of $2-3 million is set for 2026, to further accelerate the development and deployment of tyre recycling solutions across the global supply chain.
The TRF Board members represent a broad range of expertise, from tyre manufacturers and recyclers to public policy experts and sustainability leaders, all of whom will contribute to the Foundation’s efforts to drive meaningful change in tyre recycling and reclamation practices.
The full list of the TRF Board of Directors includes:
- Dr. John Baldwin, Chief Product and Technical Strategist, Discount Tire
- Greg Bell, President, Tire Pros/American Tire Distributors
- Thomas Boehme, CEO/President, Genan, Inc.
- Olivier Brauen, VP Circularity Business Transformation, Michelin
- Amy Lestition Burke, Executive Director/CEO, SWANA
- Art Dodge, CEO/President, ECORE International
- Anne Forristall Luke, President & CEO, USTMA
- Terry Galvin, Vice President, Recycling Services Mining Tire Group, Kal Tire
- Dick Gust, CEO, TIA
- Allie Kelly, Executive Director, The Ray
- Maureen Kline, Vice President, Public Affairs and Sustainability, Pirelli Tire LLC
- Nicolas Nicolaou, Vice President, End-of-Life Tire Solutions and Sustainability, US Auto Force
- Darcy Robison, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Goodyear
- Andy Thompson, Global Director of Sustainability Policy, Bridgestone
- Thomas Womble, CEO, Liberty Tire Recycling
The Tire Recycling Foundation is committed to advancing tyre recycling technologies, supporting education and outreach efforts, and securing funding to ensure that tyre recycling becomes an essential part of the global circular economy.
