Since T&A last visited Matador there have been a few changes in the management team. These have been brought about by the retiring of company patriarch, Stefan Rosina Snr. There can be little doubt that Stefan Rosina Snr. is not only a sound businessman, but also an astute politician; if he were otherwise he would not have been able to guide Matador into the free market as he did. The many years involved in the business have placed Mr. Rosina in a commanding position to help develop Matador’s relations both with the Slovak government, of whichever hue, and with politicians and businessmen in the new markets of Russia and the former Soviet influenced states. Although no longer at the helm of Matador, Stefan Rosina Snr, still plays a major figurehead role both as a consultant and as a powerful lobbying tool for Matador.He has been replaced as president of Matador by his son, Stefan Rosina Jnr. as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr Rosina Jnr. told T&A that the company aims to remain fully independent although working towards new projects with joint venture partners in growing markets. Mr. Rosina reported ongoing developments in Russia at Omskshina, where the JV was now producing 1.5 million tyres per annum and selling every single piece on the Russian domestic market where the Matador brand had already developed a strong following of loyal and satisfied customers. Two other joint ventures in Russia were still under development. Much there depended upon final negotiations and Due Diligence work before any official announcements could be made. However, a JV with Addis Tyre in Ethiopia was in the course of being finalised as we spoke. “This is a long term investment, we will build gently in Africa through our Ethiopian partners. We have long term plans to develop the region, create jobs and wealth and provide education. In Matador, wherever we are we see the potential to provide good employment prospects through the generations. My father worked for Matador, Miroslav (brother) and myself work for Matador and our children also have started working for Matador. We see that same opportunity for all our employees families.”The direction of the company may not have altered but the structure of the upper management has. Stefan Rosina Jnr is the President and Chairman, he is supported by Miroslav Rosina as Vice Chairman and Director of International Operations. The top layer of management is completed by Jozef Vozar, vice president for strategy and General Director Štefan Prekop.