Career Tracks
Kumho USA appoints new CEO amidst global reshuffle
Kumho Tire USA has announced that Samuel Choi has succeeded Harry Choi as CEO. According to the company, Harry Choi is stepping down “to pursue new career opportunities” after six years leading Kumho’s US headquarters. Kumho reports that the transition comes as a part of a global shift in key executive management roles geared to positively reinforce the company for the present and future.
Specialist Automotive Global Skills Centre opens at MIRA
MIRA Technology Institute (MTI), a partnership between North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, Horiba MIRA, Coventry University, Loughborough University and the University of Leicester has officially opened at MIRA Technology Park (MTP). The institute, went into operation in September, was created to satisfy an ever-increasing demand for specialist skills in the automotive sector, with a focus on the growth of new and disruptive technologies.
Sofie Bronserud joins Bridgestone North Region marketing team, Stuart Attfield promoted
Bridgestone has made appointments to its marketing teams in both its European head office and North Region. Following Stuart Attfield’s promotion to the role of EMEA consumer brand manager in Brussels, Sofie Bronserud will take up his former role as North Region brand manager, based in Warwick.
Giti to pioneer first all-women’s team at Nürburgring 2019
Following the completion of the 2018 motorsport season, Giti Tire says it will feature a record four vehicles participating in the 24 Hours Nürburgring race, including driving the first all-women racing and technician team. The pioneering all-women team is the first of its kind at the 24 Hours Nürburgring race.
Kenda’s Michael Andre to retire
Michael Andre (60) is retiring at the end of 2018. The news comes after five years with Kenda Rubber Industrial, where he has been marketing and sales manager automotive Europe responsible for the European passenger car tyre business of the Taiwanese tyre manufacturer. In this role Andrew has led the phased introduction of the Kenda brand to the German and other key European markets.
Continental re-emphasises partnership with ContiTread cold retreaders
Continental reports that it is “further enhancing its support services to strengthen its partnership with ContiTread cold retread shops”. This development is being led by John Cox, Global Head of Technical Services Retread and will centre on the enhancement of support services.
CAM appoints Frankie Sharp head of product management
CAM has expanded its management team with the promotion of Frankie Sharp to head of product management. The company states that the new addition to the management team is part of its ongoing commitment to drive innovation in the business to ensure its software solutions continue to meet the industry’s needs.
Ex-Triangle and Goodyear Tire executive Cohade joins Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls International plc has appointed Pierre E. Cohade as a director. Cohade served as chief executive officer of Triangle Tyre from 2015 to May 2016. Before this, Cohade was president of Asia Pacific Tire, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.
Oriente Tire USA names David R J Halldane Petlas Tire US sales director
Oriente Tire USA has named David R J Halldane as its US sales director for Petlas. Halldane will be responsible for market and sales development of Petlas Tire’s PCR/LTR and SUV tyre lines in the US.
Glimmerveen appointed CFO of Black Bear
Dutch tyre upcycling company and recovered carbon black (rCB) producer Black Bear has appointed Geert Glimmerveen its new chief financial officer. He brings with him more than 30 years’ experience in senior finance and executive positions in several leading companies.
STARCO appoints new senior sales manager for French market
STARCO has appointed Hubert Plouchart its senior sales manager for the Agricultural Implements and Utility & Ground Care segments in France. Tasked with improving STARCO’s position with OEM customers, Plouchart brings almost ten years of tyre industry experience to his new role. He previously worked at Carlstar Group as OEM sales manager and sales director for Europe, Africa and the Middle East for almost four years and, before that, at Cooper Tire.
Ghosn’s gone
Roughly two decades after taking the helm at Nissan (and later chairing the Japanese firm’s alliance with Renault and Mitsubishi), the carmaker’s board voted to remove company boss Carlos Ghosn following his arrest in Japan for underreporting his salary.
PCL adds 2 to sales team
Pneumatic Components (PCL) has appointed two new area sales managers (ASM). Michael Dooker will cover the North of England and Scotland while Garry Tindle will be responsible for the central region.
Auto Testing Ltd directors disqualified
Janice Rogers (61) and Elizabeth Dagg (70), both from Northumberland, were directors of Auto Testing Limited (ATL) before they were disqualified from being company directors for allowing a third boss, Stewart Rogers, to manage the business while he was disqualified from being a company director.
Doublestar names Antonio Smith as general director for Spain and Portugal
Qingdao Doublestar Group, recently named Antonio Smith Montero as general director for the company in Spain and Portugal. With this announcement the company, which recently acquired Korean manufacturer Kumho Tire and is well-known for its Doublestar, Crossleader and Aosen brands has underlined its commitment to the Iberian tyre market.