#United States #Bend #Les Schwab Tire Centers #Tom Nolan #Mike Broberg

Les Schwab Tire Centers Hails New Leadership

Les Schwab Tire Centers, one of the foremost independent tire retailers in the United States, has recently announced a significant leadership change. Tom Nolan has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, effective April 7, 2026. This transition marks a new chapter in the company’s storied history, which has spanned over 74 years. Nolan will succeed Mike Broberg, who is stepping down after a successful nine-year tenure, including the last three years in the CEO position.

As an experienced leader, Nolan is not unfamiliar with the tire and automotive retail landscape. He has been a part of Les Schwab's Board of Directors since September 2025, providing him with invaluable insights into the company's operations and culture. Before joining Les Schwab, Nolan held the position of CEO at Kendra Scott, a prominent jewelry and lifestyle brand, where he drove growth through strategic retail expansion and bolstered e-commerce performance.

With over 20 years of experience in the consumer and retail sectors, Nolan’s background includes key leadership roles at prestigious companies such as Ralph Lauren and Condé Nast. His previous work has centered around customer engagement, operational excellence, and brand management, which are essential attributes for guiding Les Schwab into its next era.

Jack Cuniff, a board member at Les Schwab, expressed enthusiasm over Nolan's appointment. He stated, "Tom possesses an entrepreneurial mindset and has consistently demonstrated the ability to scale beloved consumer brands. His track record of building customer trust and investing in team development aligns perfectly with our goals for the company's future."

Under the stewardship of the outgoing CEO, Mike Broberg, Les Schwab has laid a solid foundation for sustained growth. Broberg is credited with maintaining the strong service culture that characterizes Les Schwab, while ensuring the company remains committed to its core values and operational integrity. He emphasized the importance of earning customer trust and has said, "Les Schwab has always prioritized doing the right thing for customers every day."

Nolan is set to expand upon these values, stating, "Les Schwab is more than just a retail brand; it is a community pillar with a mission focused on people. I’m honored to build upon the legacy established by dedicated employees and to further enhance the customer experience."

This leadership transition comes at a pivotal time for Les Schwab as it continues to navigate the ever-evolving retail landscape. The company, which began its operations in 1952 and is headquartered in Bend, Oregon, employs over 8,000 individuals across more than 600 locations in 15 states.

The tire retail market is highly competitive, and Nolan’s leadership will significantly influence how Les Schwab adapts to changing consumer demands, particularly in the realms of e-commerce and customer-centric service.

In conclusion, as Tom Nolan steps into his new role as CEO and Chairman of the Board at Les Schwab, he carries with him a wealth of experience and a commitment to the company’s enduring culture. This leadership change signals a bright future for one of America’s leading tire retailers, as it remains focused on its mission to serve customers with integrity and excellence, ensuring that it not only meets but exceeds expectations in the coming years.