Oudshoorn to leave Apollo Vredestein

Rob Oudshoorn, CEO Apollo Vredestein BV, is to leave the company on 31 December 2012 after 18 years as CEO. Luis Ceneviz, currently CEO of Apollo Tyres South Africa has been named as his “intended successor”. According to the company, Oudshoorn will be joining the executive board of the Dutch Company Pon Holdings. Apollo representatives said they wish him “all the best in his new endeavour,” in a statement announcing his departure.

“Talking to Tyres & Accessories, Oudshoorn said that he was leaving the company with “crying heart” and that his soul would be left behind at the business that he saw develop over the years. The timing of the new job offer from Pon Holdings would seem to rule out any association with recent Apollo/Cooper takeover speculation coming as it did months before this hit the papers. Initially, Oudshoorn said, he had to think about the proposal and his departure from Vredestein, but reflecting on the business’ development and current stability he said that he felt now was a good time for someone of his age to make such a move. The new role on the board at Pon is said to relate to the business’s tyre and bicycle operations – both areas with which Oudshoorn has a personal interest. 

“We place on record the valuable services Rob has rendered to the company in the last 18 years as CEO of Vredestein Banden B.V. and thereafter as CEO of Apollo Vredestein B.V. Post the Apollo acquisition, Rob has been active in the integration process of both the companies and has played a leadership role in the growth and profitability of Apollo Vredestein BV,” said Apollo Tyres managing director Neeraj Kanwar, adding: “Luis has over 30 years of experience in the tyre industry having worked with ATSA and earlier with Goodyear Tyres in various global locations including India.”

In place of Luis Ceneviz, Riaz Haffejee, COO Apollo Tyres South Africa, will take over the role CEO Apollo Tyres South Africa. According Apollo Vredestein BV, all these changes will be effective from 1 January 2013 and till that time the three executives are expected to coordinate with each other in the integration process.