ZC Rubber names Debusschere OTR tyre sales director
As of 1 January 2024, Marc Debusschere is Zhongce Rubber Group’s Off Road Tyres & Track OEM Sales Director in Europe. ZR Rubber comments that this newly created position continues the global expansion of its OTR team.
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Trio promoted within Maxion Wheels leadership team
Wheel manufacturer Maxion Wheels has announced several new appointments within its executive leadership team. All report to Pieter Klinkers, the company’s Chief Executive Officer.
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Toyo Tires announces European, North American management changes
Toyo Tires has rung in the New Year with several management changes. As of 1 January 2024, Ralf Gutena succeeds Kenta Kuribayashi as president of Toyo Tire Deutschland GmbH. Gutena remains director of sales and marketing at the company’s European head office, Toyo Tire Holdings of Europe GmbH. Kuribayashi continues in his remit as president of Toyo Tire Holdings of Europe GmbH.
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New technical director for Smithers’ USA tyre test facility
Cliff Hodges has joined testing and compliance services specialist Smithers as technical director of its Tire & Wheel Test Center in Ohio, USA. He will direct the technical and quality requirements for Smithers’ force and moment testing, tyre modelling, and other special tyre characterisations and evaluation methods. Hodges will also manage and advise technical staff and technical decision-making.
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Apollo R&D chief advisor named ‘Sustainability Professional of the Year’
P K Mohamed, chief advisor, R&D, Apollo Tyres Ltd has been lauded as ‘Sustainability Professional of the Year’ at the 10th edition of the World Sustainability Leadership Awards 2023. The accolade was conferred upon Mr Mohamed at a gala event held recently in Mauritius.
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Automotive industry among fastest industries to require AI skills
The automotive industry is among the fastest sectors requiring some level of experience with Artificial intelligence (AI), according to data collected by digital PR agency Tank. Examining the proportion of job vacancies requiring AI skills, Tank found 1.02 per cent of 34,833 vacancies in the automotive sector required AI, ranking it fifth highest, behind Fashion, Electronics, Warehousing & Distribution, and Food & Beverages.
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Linglong appoints Jean Paul Spijker director sales and marketing Specialty Tire Europe
Jean Paul Spijker joined Linglong Germany GmbH on 1 December 2023 as director of sales and marketing in the Specialty Tire segment. The Chinese manufacturer said Spijker brings OTR, industrial, construction machinery and agricultural tyre expertise into its burgeoning European organisation. It adds that he is “committed to its ambitious growth plans in Europe.”
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TBC Corporation appoints Maraj CTO
North American tyre distributor and retailer TBC Corporation has appointed Darryl Maraj its new chief technology officer. In this role, Maraj is responsible for leading the company’s digital and information technology strategy and driving value creation through data-driven innovation and enhancing organisational capabilities. He will report directly to president and chief executive officer, Sam Kato.
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Continental’s Reitzle confirms continued Board availability
As Tyrepress reported on 11 December, Wolfgang Reitzle no longer intends to end his tenure as chairman of the Continental AG Supervisory Board in 2024. At a Supervisory Board meeting on 13 December, he confirmed his availability to serve for an additional two years.
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Les Kershaw returns to SMP Europe
SMP Europe has appointed Les Kershaw, who has returned to the company after four years away, as sales director. His new role will involve directing the strategy of the UK and export, as well as building and strengthening customer relationships. Kershaw has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry in various sales roles, including a 12-year stint at SMP Europe as UK sales manager from 2007 to 2020. SMP Europe is the home of the Intermotor, Lemark and Lucas brands.
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Enviro appoints Emilson CEO, advisory role for Sörensson
On 5 February 2024, Fredrik Emilson will succeed Thomas Sörensson as chief executive officer of Scandinavian Enviro Systems (Enviro). On this date, Sörensson will transition to the position of senior advisor.
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Two more years – Reitzle to stay on Continental’s Supervisory Board
Wolfgang Reitzle, now aged 74, planned to step down as chairman of the Continental AG Supervisory Board when his current tenure concludes following the company’s 2024 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. However, German financial publication Wirtschaftswoche writes that Reitzle will once again stand for election to the Supervisory Board at next April’s meeting, albeit only for a two-year term of office.
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Aude Moraux appointed European regional sales manager at BM Catalysts
Aude Moraux has been appointed European regional sales manager for France, Benelux, and the Nordic Region. The emissions product specialist said the appointment bolsters support for European customers after a period of continued growth. Moraux will manage and develop business in the region through strong partnerships, the company added.
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LKQ Corporation names Hamilton SVP of LKQ and European MD
Andy Hamilton, currently chief executive officer of LKQ UK & Ireland, is to become senior vice president of LKQ as well as president and executive managing director of LKQ Europe from 1 January 2024. The news follows the announcement last week that Justin Jude was to succeed Dominick Zarcone as president and CEO of LKQ Corporation on 1 July 2024.
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Autotech Recruit creates new employment gateway
Autotech Recruit has introduced a new pathway for skilled vehicle technicians and MOT testers wanting to try freelancing within the sector, while retaining the security of full-time employment. The cuts to National Insurance contributions for self-employed workers, recently outlined in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, could be a catalyst in helping those, considering becoming freelance, make the transition, according to Autotech.
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