Brian Smith to Leave Continental

Brian Smith is to leave Continental Tyre Group Ltd at the end of December, after 13 years as managing director. Since he joined in 1993, Continental’s UK turnover has more than doubled to £250 million and profit has reportedly reached record levels. His successor as managing director of the Continental Tyre Group will be announced before the end of 2006.

During his time in the tyre industry, Brian Smith served as president of the British Rubber Manufacturers Association (now the BTMA) in the mid 1990s and has been the Chairman of the Tyre Industry Council since 1997.

As TIC chairman and board member of both BTMA and the Tyre Industry Federation, Smith demonstrated a long-term commitment to promotion of the tyre industry. Under his leadership, TIC is soon to be re-launched as Tyre Safe; he has been a keen advocate of the free market approach for waste tyre disposal and a strong supporter of the need for industry training and accreditation.

This year, the National Tyre Distributors Association recognised Brian Smith’s contribution to the industry, presenting his with the Chairman’s Award for Meritorious Service in recognition of his role in promoting initiatives such as the 3mm Campaign and Cold Weather Tyres.

With a career spanning 36 years in the UK and Irish motor industries, Brian has decided on a complete change of direction. He will become Chief Executive of HF Holidays early next year.

He explains “My career in the motor industry and particularly, the tyre industry, has been both enjoyable and rewarding. But, I now feel the time is right to embark on a fresh challenge. I’m leaving behind a great team of people who I know will enable Continental to continue its growth and considerable achievements.”