ETRMA Koetz, ETRMA

Brussels – The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA).has elected Continental executive vice president Christian Kötz as president with effect from 1 Jan 2015.

The appointment was made at an ETRMA board meeting, which also elected Thierry du Granrut from the Syndicat National du Caoutchouc et des Polymères as vice president.

“The new chairmanship of ETRMA comes at the time of the new EU legislature,” noted ETRMA secretary general, Fazilet Cinaralp, who  thanked outgoing president Patrick Lepercq for his “strong leadership”.

Lepercq has held the position since the start of 2012, his presidency covering a period of economic difficulties and intense legislative activity.

At the 7 Oct meeting, president=elect Kötz set out his stall by calling on the new European Commission:to shift its focus from regulating to enforcement of existing legislation.

“Only through the enforcement of the very ambitious laws previously adopted, can the industry enjoy a level playing field and maintain its competitiveness,” he said.

Relaying a message from the ETRMA board, Kotz also emphasised the need for a balanced trade policy that fostered export=led growth for the industry on the global leve