Career Tracks
Jukka Hienonen becomes chairman of Nokian Tyres’ BoD
Nokian Tyres has appointed Jukka Hienonen chairman of its Board of Directors. Kari Jordan is deputy chairman.
ETEL appoints Kwik Fit MD Mark Slade as deputy group CEO
European Tyre Enterprise Limited (ETEL) has promoted Mark Slade, managing director of Kwik Fit GB, to the new position of ETEL Group Deputy CEO. Slade will continue in his role leading Kwik Fit, but will also take on additional group responsibilities as part of a broader remit.
‘Nobody will be laid off – if need be I’ll waive my salary’ – Liqui Moly MD
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, German oil and additive specialist Liqui Moly’s managing director Ernst Prost has promised employees that “nobody will be laid off. If need be, I’ll waive my salary.”
NFDA seeks clarification on Job Retention Scheme
On 27 March, National Franchised Dealers Association wrote to Kemi Badenoch MP, exchequer secretary to the Treasury, to seek clarifications on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, following the release of further details which have created confusion among employers. “We urge the Government to clarify its guidance on the Job Retention Scheme as the latest information is creating uncertainty in the sector”, said Sue Robinson, director of the NFDA.
Schrader TPMS Solutions strengthens EMEA sales team
Three new members have joined Schrader TPMS Solutions’ sales team in the EMEA region: Ayhan Akin, Patrick Bondzio and Thorbjörn Källsbäck. The trio, who report to Alexander Baumann, will be responsible for the existing customer base in their respective markets as well as its strategic growth projects.
JK Tyre reduces pay for management in “unprecedented” times
Apollo Tyres shared last Friday that its senior management would take a pay cut in response to market pressures related to the coronavirus pandemic, and yesterday the team at JK Tyre & Industries announced similar measures.
JK Tyre senior management takes 25% pay cut amid Covid-19 pandemic
Senior management at Indian tyre manufacturer JK Tyre will take a 25 per cent pay cut during the Covid-19 outbreak. Chairman and managing director Raghupati Singhania stated that the board was taking the cut “in a show of solidarity in this critical time,” noting the “unprecedented” impact of the virus on sales and profitability.
Apollo Vredestein ‘scaling back’ European production
Apollo Vredestein is scaling back production at its European plants in Hungary and the Netherlands in addition to “taking measures to protect our workforce in line with government health advisory and measures” against coronavirus/Covid-19.
Apollo Tyres’ management takes coronavirus pay cut
Top management at Apollo Tyres have announced they’ve accepted a pay cut during the market difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tyre maker says it is also preparing to implement further measures.
Will tyre dealers stay open in a lockdown?
While the government has introduced significant social distancing measures including closing schools, and while tyre businesses are offering innovative contactless solutions, garages are still open for business. However, in Italy the country has been on lockdown for a month. We know that truck tyre technicians should be categorised as “key workers”, but what about car tyre retailers and what if movements become more restricted?
NTDA: Truck tyre technicians are key workers
Earlier we examined the evidence that truck tyre technicians should be considered key workers in "Are truck tyre technicians key workers?" In answer to the question, NTDA chief executive Stefan Hay suggested “those technicians who hold a REACT, LCTT or LRTT licence may wish to present the cards as evidence of their profession. Naturally, schools can confirm the validity of the licence by contacting the NTDA’s Head Office.”
EAG appoints ex-Suplex expert to assist after it becomes brand’s exclusive UK distributor
Excel Automotive Group (EAG) has recruited Sam Cotterill to its team, brought in, initially, to assist Suplex’s relocation to its new and exclusive distributor. After five years at the coil spring specialist, developing the relationship between brand and customer, the company sees Cotterill as “the perfect person to be the conduit between the two brands.”
Robert Lee named president of Continental North America
Robert (Bob) Lee will take over as the new president of Continental North America. He succeeds Jeff Klei, who will retire after serving more than 30 years in the industry. Lee will be responsible for leading customer, governmental and other external relationships across the region.
India’s ATMA appoints new chairman, vice chairman
The organisation representing India’s tyre makers has a new chairman, with KM Mammen being appointed to the role. Mammen, who is chairman and managing director of MRF Ltd., is joined in the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association’s (ATMA) leadership team by Anshuman Singhania as vice chairman. Singhania is a director at JK Tyre & Industries Ltd.
Headcount reduction at Apollo Vredestein’s Enschede plant closer to 900
According to the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV), Apollo Vredestein will stop employing temp workers hired through agencies at its Enschede plant from April 2020. This means that almost 150 temporary jobs will disappear in addition to the approximately 750 permanent jobs that the tyre maker plans to shed.