Des Collins to lead Conti’s new public liaison office

Continental has appointed ex-Bridgestone Europe communications vice-president Des Collins head of its new Liaison Office for Public Affairs in Brussels, Belgium. This new office in the European Union’s political capital opened on 1 August, and Collins takes responsibility for representing the legislative and regulatory interests of both Continental’s Rubber and Automotive Groups.

“Driving and transportation are fundamental to modern life and intertwined with many of its aspects, including sustainability and environment,” said Dr. Elmar Degenhart, chairman of Continental’s Executive Board. “This is why our company has to deal with hundreds of legislative and regulatory issues in the EU every year. With this new office we will be able to intensify and further substantiate the increasing dialogue between political, governmental and non-governmental institutions in Brussels and Continental.

“We are convinced that we can contribute immense systems know-how and innovation expertise on automotive and transportation issues to the public discussion,” Degenhart continued. “In doing so, we have already decided that we will enhance our public affairs activities even further. This is why we will be opening another liaison office in Berlin, Germany, soon.”

Des Collins has held managing and leadership positions in marketing and sales at tyre and engineering equipment companies for more than 30 years. Until recently, he was vice-president European Communications at Bridgestone’s European headquarters. Collins is the second former Bridgestone employee to take up a senior role with Conti in recent times; in July, Steve Howat was appointed general manager of Continental’s Technical Services division, UK and Ireland.

“We are very pleased to have Mr. Collins on board,” added Degenhart. “He will provide us with his extensive knowledge and experience in legislative and regulatory processes at the EU.”

The company has made other similar appointments recently.