Continental Tire North America names new CEO

Charlotte, North Carolina - Continental Tire North America Inc. has reorganised its leadership structure, naming Matthias Schonberg CEO, succeeding Alan Hippe, who will continue as president.

In addition, Continental promoted its vice president of sales and marketing, Andreas Gerstenberger, to executive vice president of sales and marketing. Both changes take effect from 1 Oct.

Conti said it is expanding its leadership team to support new marketing initiatives based on a three-year plan to increase product offerings and improve market coverage in the light truck and high performance tyre markets.

Schonberg has served as managing director of Continental Tire of Mexico since 2004. As Conti Tire North America's chief executive, he will lead and coordinate supply chain, sales and marketing and production initiatives. He will report to Hippe, who will provide strategic direction as company president, chief financial officer and executive board member of parent company Continental AG.

Gerstenberger is credited as being instrumental in the growth of Conti's replacement business in North America, according to the Charlotte-based tyre maker.

Under its three-year plan, the firm said it plans to unveil more than 500 tyre products, including new lines and extensions of current lines for both its Continental and General brands.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)