The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) is pleased to recognize outstanding individuals and businesses for their dedication and commitment to excellence in the tire and rubber industry including end-of-life (ELT) tire management and other businesses focused on sustainability. The Awards Ceremony took place following the Association’s Annual General Meeting on June 4, 2025, at the Alt Hotel Toronto Airport in Mississauga.

The 2025 Industry Leadership Awards recognized leadership in the following categories: Leader of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Sustainability, and Young Leader.

“The Canadian tire and rubber industry brims with innovation and dedication; and this year’s award winners embody the very best of our industry. We’re thrilled to honour seven remarkable individuals whose leadership, ingenuity, and commitment to sustainability have set a high bar for excellence, and shape and inspire the future of our sector,” said Carol Hochu, President and CEO of TRAC.

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Photo: Winners of TRAC's 2025 Industry Leaderships Awards. Left to right: Carol Hochu (TRAC), Tony Mougios (Groupe Touchette), Jon Visaisouk (for Sam Visaisouk; Tyromer Inc.), Neil Bansal (Liberty Tire), Barry Yutronkie (Michelin / TRAC), Dr. Behdad Khamesee (Toyo Tire), Chris Figel (Chair of the Board, TRAC). | Photo by TRAC.

Leader of the Year

The Leader of the Year award recipient is Neil Bansal, Vice President, Liberty Tire.

Neil Bansal is the epitome of leadership in the tire recycling industry. As Vice President at Liberty Tire Recycling responsible for all Canadian operations, Neil’s strategic vision, innovation, and collaborative spirit have enabled him to address some of the sector’s toughest challenges with action-oriented solutions.

Neil’s leadership extends beyond his organization as he has shaped policy across Canada and influenced stakeholders internationally. His ability to bridge regulatory gaps and drive innovation has established him as a trusted voice in both business and environmental circles.

In addition to his ongoing efforts to move rubber up the value chain, Neil is also spearheading a variety of projects to recycle ultra-large mining tires into products with an 80% lower carbon footprint setting new sustainability standards for the industry.

Neil’s leadership exemplifies dedication to collective industry progress.

Lifetime Achievement Award

TRAC is proud to present the Lifetime Achievement Awards to Pamela Scarrow, Sam Visaisouk (posthumously), and Barry Yutronkie in recognition of their outstanding achievements and enduring legacies to the Canadian tire and rubber industry and to the community at large.

Pamela Scarrow, Bridgestone Canada

Pamela has dedicated over two decades to exemplary service at Bridgestone Canada, where she has served as Division General Counsel since 2000. Her legal expertise and commitment to excellence have been pivotal in navigating complex legal, business, and operational challenges.

Pam’s contributions extend beyond Bridgestone. As a long-standing TRAC board member and former board chair, she has been a cornerstone of the organization, providing invaluable legal guidance and leadership; and her dedication and expertise have greatly contributed to advancement of TRAC’s mission and initiatives.

Pam’s legacy is defined by her unwavering professionalism, integrity, and care for her colleagues and clients. Her contributions to Bridgestone, TRAC, and the broader industry make her a truly deserving recipient of this Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sam Visaisouk, Tyromer Inc. (awarded posthumously)

Sam Visaisouk was a visionary leader who dedicated his late career to advancing sustainability in the tire and rubber industry. As CEO of Tyromer, Sam transformed an innovative devulcanization technology from the University of Waterloo into a global solution for recycling scrap tire rubber. His strategic guidance built trusted partnerships with industry leaders and accelerated the adoption of this technology, building operations in Canada, the Netherlands, and India, and establishing Tyromer as a leader in devulcanization technology capable of integrating Tire-Derived Polymer (TDP) into new tire manufacturing at commercially viable scales.

Through his work, Sam set new standards for sustainability in tire recycling, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and commercial success can coexist. His legacy is reflected in Tyromer’s continued contributions to reducing waste and advancing a circular economy for the tire industry.

Barry Yutronkie, Michelin / Tire and Rubber Association of Canada

Barry Yutronkie’s distinguished career exemplifies dedication and expertise in the tire industry. With over 30 years at Michelin followed by his eight years of invaluable contributions to TRAC, Barry brought a profound understanding of tire industry in Canada and globally to every endeavor.

At TRAC, Barry played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration across North America and creating alignment among tire producers on critical issues such as technical standards and regulations. His efforts strengthened the industry’s collective impact and advanced many technical and statistical initiatives.

Barry’s collaborative approach, commitment to excellence, and unwavering professionalism have left an indelible mark on the industry. From managing complex programs to navigating key industry challenges, his legacy is one of progress and partnership. Barry’s career and contributions will resonate within the industry for years to come.

Sustainability

In the area of Sustainability, TRAC honours Dr. Behdad Khamesee and Tony Mougios for their environmental, economic, and social contributions.

Dr. Behdad Khamesee, Toyo Tire Canada

Behdad Khamesee obtained his PhD in Materials Science, specializing in nano processing. With over 20 years of experience in the tire and automotive industry, Behdad has made significant contributions through his roles on the Technical Committee of TRAC, the Environmental Health & Safety Policy Committee, and the Tire Materials Committee of USTMA.

As a visionary leader at Toyo Tire Canada, Behdad drives sustainability initiatives that not only benefit the company but also influence the broader tire industry. His extensive experience in international engineering projects allows him to bring a global perspective to local challenges.

Behdad’s impact extends beyond operational improvements; he champions ambitious environmental stewardship programs and inspires other companies to adopt sustainable practices, creating a ripple effect of positive change. His dedication to innovation and community engagement sets a benchmark for sustainability in the tire industry.

Behdad’s exemplary contributions make him a deserving recipient of the Sustainability Award.

Tony Mougios, Groupe Touchette

Tony Mougios has been a driving force in advancing sustainability within Groupe Touchette and across the tire industry. As Vice President of Strategic Affairs, Marketing & Merchandising and Corporate Sales, Tony draws on 32 years of experience at Michelin, where he honed his expertise in sustainable practices as Managing Director for the Consumer Tire Division. During his time at Michelin, Tony also served on the Board of the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, including Chair of the Board in 2020.

At Groupe Touchette, Tony leads the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies. Under his guidance, the company released its first ESG report in 2024, unveiling a comprehensive roadmap that prioritizes sustainability initiatives and commits to annual reassessment and improvement. Tony’s leadership and vision exemplify how corporate action can create meaningful environmental and industry-wide change.

Young Leader

The Young Leader award recognizes inspirational and dedicated young leaders who demonstrate industry leadership in management, innovation, technology and/or sustainability within their organization or community. This year, TRAC recognizes Chris Singleton of Niagara Battery & Tire.

Chris Singleton, Niagara Battery & Tire

Chris Singleton exemplifies resilience and visionary leadership. Following the sudden passing of his father, Gordon Singleton, in 2024, he became President of Niagara Battery & Tire Ltd. at just 37. Chris has embraced the challenges of leading the 68-year-old family business.

Under Chris’ direction, Niagara Battery & Tire has implemented cutting-edge software to streamline inventory and service operations, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. He has introduced policies focused on employee well-being, expanded benefits, and initiated the process of becoming a living wage employer. Chris has invested in safety, launching training programs with milestone-based badges to encourage professional growth. Additionally, he has expanded fleet capabilities with new vehicles for on-site tire services, meeting evolving customer needs.

Through innovation and dedication, Chris is steering Niagara Battery & Tire into a new era, solidifying its position as a reliable retailer in Niagara region.

Press release by TRAC.