Rietbergen takes on Goodyear Dunlop commercial role
As of 1 July, George Rietbergen, current managing director of Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK Ltd, will take on the role of vice-president at Goodyear Dunlop’s Commercial Product Business Unit EMEA. Rietbergen, who took over from Mark Brickhill as UK and Ireland managing director in early 2010, has been employed by the tyre maker since 2001, starting in e-business and retail-related roles and progressing to the position of general manager for the Benelux region in 2005.
Continue ReadingErich Fric named new Goodyear Dunlop UK general manager
The position of managing director of Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK Ltd, made vacant by George Rietbergen’s impending move to Brussels and new role as vice-president for the company’s EMEA region Commercial Product Business Unit, has been filled by Erich Fric, the tyre maker has announced. Fric, whose career with Goodyear Dunlop began in Austria in 1994, will take over from Rietbergen on 1 July.
Continue ReadingBridgestone Americas names new Technical Standards director
Incumbent general counsel for Litigation at Bridgestone Americas, Alan Yarcusko, is to take on the position of director of Technical Standards & Regulations at Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. In his new position, Yarcusko will be responsible for proposing, guiding and promoting tyre standards and regulations on behalf of Bridgestone Americas Tire. His responsibilities also include setting the strategy and direction for future technical standards and regulations and developing proposals in this area based on the global Bridgestone Group’s future innovation and technology directions.
Continue ReadingApprentices thrive despite education cuts
Strathclyde Tyres is promoting apprenticeships as an alternative route to work for young people struggling to gain access to college courses that would have provided them with the vocational qualification to begin their working life.
Continue ReadingD. Foran Jr new USON president
Charles D. Foran Jr. (Dave) has been appointed as the new president of USON, the automated leak detection equipment maker. Dave Foran brings more than 35 years of experience leading diverse organizations. “I am extremely pleased with the opportunity to help USON, the market leader in leak detection instruments, go to the next level. USON will soon celebrate 50 years in business and my goal is to enable USON to leverage the power of the Internet to set a whole new standard in how USON reaches out to the marketplace and to our customers,” he commented.
Continue ReadingTyre volumes still declining
Tyre volumes are still declining around the world despite gains in the North American markets, which reportedly reflect improvements in demand but come from a low base. The news is derived from Michelin’s sell-in market data, which the global tyre giant publishes on a monthly basis.
Continue ReadingDolan replaces Tye as Goodyear Dunlop retail director UK
Farrell Dolan has replaced Peter Tye as retail director UK at Goodyear Dunlop. Dolan, who has over 20 years’ experience in the automotive industry, and more than six with Goodyear Dunlop, will be responsible for the business’ retail operations across its HiQ franchise brand and network of retail partners. Former retail director Tye resigned from the company to pursue other opportunities, according to Goodyear Dunlop. Commenting on Tye’s departure George Rietbergen, Goodyear Dunlop UK & Ireland general manager, says: “Peter made a great contribution to our retail business and he leaves with our best wishes. Together with Farrell and the team, we are now focused on the exciting future ahead for our retail division.”
Continue ReadingGori’s career at Pirelli draws to a close
The leadership feud between Pirelli’s two top managers, Marco Tronchetti Provera (64) and Francesco Gori (60), described within the company as a “redefinition of the organisation model”, is a first-class déjà vu experience for many observers of globally active corporations.
Continue ReadingPoint S takes on network development manager
Earlier this year Point S appointed Dean Dyoss as network development manager. The move was the first of a run investments Point S has begun making into its UK chain and its investment in people. Just over a year since John Cowderoy joined the growing independent retail chain as managing director, he began making strategic appointments designed to help the network flourish in the years to come.
Continue ReadingWill Schaeffler sell some Conti stock on rejoining DAX?
After years of relative quiet regarding speculation about ownership of Continental AG, a relatively weak first quarter at the company’s majority shareholder (Schaeffler) has kick started the rumour mill. The thinking is that the shareholder will off-load some of its share to free up cash flow and support the valuation of Conti as it re-enters the Frankfurt-based DAX German stock exchange.
Continue ReadingCunningham key accounts manager at Remy
Remy Automotive, the automotive parts manufacturer, has appointed Peter Cunningham as key accounts manager, with a national responsibility, at Remy Automotive UK Ltd. Cunningham has been in the UK motor trade since 1983, working initially in sales for two leading motor factor groups prior to working for Turtle Wax and Wynn’s, latterly as an area manager. He worked for Remy as a key accounts manager for 2 years before leaving in 2010 to pursue other interests. According to the company, he is delighted to return to Remy, working on a national basis.
Continue ReadingAutoglass TV star is 'World's Best Technician'
Autoglass technician Steve Marelli (31) has beaten thousands of applicants from across the world to be recognised as the world's best vehicle glass replacement technician at the prestigious Best of Belron competition.
Continue ReadingBridgestone cautious about profit growth due to Europe crisis
Bridgestone executives have aired a degree of caution relating to the tyre major’s earnings outlook for this year. According to various news sources Bridgestone Corp.'s chief financial officer on suggested the impact of the euro-zone debt crisis is affecting demand, which in turn is weighing on its business.
Continue ReadingHampson Al Dobowi’s new business development head
The Al Dobowi Group has appointed Nigel Hampson to the position of head of business development. Previously Hampson had worked for Cooper Avon Tyres and Cooper Tire Europe since 1996 in several managerial roles in the company. He was most recently sales and marketing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa, before joining the Al Dobowi Group.
Continue ReadingFritz Schaad retires – dual wheel production continues under Starco brand
From humble beginnings on their father’s farm, Fritz and Rudi Schaad began the manufacture of what is now recognised as one of – if not the best – dual wheel systems on the market. Now, After 50 years in the business, Fritz Schaad has announced his retirement from daily management from the Swiss company, where he had been responsible for sales and marketing for many years. Despite his retirement Fritz will, along with brother Rudolph, continue to support the company, which has been part of the Starco Group for the last five years. Rudolph has announced plans to retire in 2014, and leadership of Starco Schaad is now in the hands of Sven Holmes, who has been who has been working at the Schaad factory for nine months in preparation for assuming responsibility of the company established by the Schaad brothers.
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