Photo: Winners of TRAC’s 2025 Industry Leaderships Awards. Left to right: Carol Hochu (TRAC), Tony Mougios (Groupe Touchette), Jon Visaisouk (for Sam Visaisouk; Tyromer Inc.), Neil Bansal (Liberty Tire), Barry Yutronkie (Michelin / TRAC), Dr. Behdad Khamesee (Toyo Tire), Chris Figel (Chair of the Board, TRAC).

The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) recently honoured industry leaders for their exceptional contributions to the tire and rubber sector during its annual awards ceremony on 4 June 2025 in Mississauga. The event, held after TRAC's Annual General Meeting at the Alt Hotel Toronto Airport, celebrated excellence across four key categories: Leader of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Sustainability and Young Leader. These awards recognise the visionaries and innovators driving progress in tire manufacturing, recycling, and sustainable practices.

Neil Balson of Liberty Tire Recycling received the prestigious Leader of the Year award for his transformative impact on Canada's tyre recycling industry. As Vice President overseeing Canadian operations, Balson has demonstrated remarkable leadership in developing innovative solutions for end-of-life tyre management. His work has been particularly impactful in addressing the challenges of recycling ultra-large mining tyres, where he pioneered processes that reduce their carbon footprint by 80 percent. Beyond technical innovations, Balson has played a crucial role in shaping national policies and fostering international collaborations, establishing himself as a trusted voice at the intersection of business and environmental sustainability.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards honoured three industry veterans whose collective contributions span decades of service. Pamela Scarrow of Bridgestone Canada was recognised for her 25 years of legal leadership and her instrumental role in TRAC's governance as both board member and former chair. The late Sam Visaisouk, former CEO of Tyromer Inc, was honoured posthumously for commercialising groundbreaking devulcanisation technology that revolutionised tyre recycling globally. Barry Yutronkie received recognition for his 30-year career at Michelin and subsequent leadership at TRAC, where he helped harmonise technical standards across North America. Together, these recipients represent the dedication and expertise that have shaped Canada's tire industry.

From left: Phillip Diogenes of Bridgestone Canada Inc. accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award for Pam Scarrow with Chris Figel (Chair of the Board, TRAC).

TRAC's Sustainability Awards highlighted two leaders advancing environmental responsibility in the sector. Dr Behdad Khamesee of Toyo Tire Canada was celebrated for applying his materials science expertise to develop sustainable tyre technologies and influence industry-wide best practices through various technical committees. Tony Mougios of Groupe Touchette was recognised for developing comprehensive ESG strategies, including the company's inaugural sustainability report that established measurable environmental targets.

The Young Leader Award went to Chris Singleton of Niagara Battery & Tire, who at 37 took over the family business following his father's passing and immediately implemented transformative changes. Singleton modernized operations through digital inventory systems, enhanced employee benefits, and expanded mobile services – all while maintaining the company's 68-year legacy as a community staple.

Carol Hochu, President and CEO, TRAC, said, “The Canadian tire and rubber industry brims with innovation and dedication; and this year’s award winners embody the very best of our industry. We’re thrilled to honour seven remarkable individuals whose leadership, ingenuity and commitment to sustainability have set a high bar for excellence, and shape and inspire the future of our sector.”

Dunlop Tyres South Africa has appointed Marcia Noxolo Veronica Mayaba as its new commercial director, effective November 2025, as the company moves to sharpen its strategic execution in sales, retail, marketing and technical services.

Mayaba, one of South Africa’s most prominent automotive executives, brings decades of leadership experience and a resume marked by industry firsts including becoming the country’s first Black female CEO in automotive retail. Her previous roles span senior positions at Eqstra Fleet Management, Isuzu Motors South Africa, Lindsay Saker VW and Audi and Barloworld’s multi-brand operations.

The move forms part of Dunlop’s medium to long-term growth agenda as it competes for market share in a tightening industry landscape.

Lubin Ozoux, CEO of Dunlop Tyres South Africa said: “Marcia brings a distinctive  blend of empathy, strategic insight, and commercial acumen. Her passion for developing people, her deep understanding of the automotive ecosystem, and her commitment to ethical leadership align perfectly with Dunlop’s purpose-driven culture. We’re so excited to welcome her to the leadership team and look forward to the impact she will make in driving our business and dealer partnerships forward.”

Mayaba framed the appointment as both professional and personal, citing the automotive sector as a platform for economic mobility. “Dunlop embodies heritage, integrity and resilience, values that deeply resonate with me. My first meeting with Lubin and the Exco immediately felt like a fit a culture anchored in people, continuous improvement and long-term sustainability. Joining Dunlop is not just a career move; it’s a continuation of my purpose to build stronger, values-based ecosystems within the automotive landscape,” Mayaba said.

Nokian Tyres gathered nearly 100 workshop representatives from five partner companies at the Hakka Ring, its year-round testing facility in Santa Cruz de la Zarza, Spain, to highlight its latest advances in all-season tyre technology and exchange views on market trends and industry challenges. The company said the test center, designed for all-weather performance evaluation, reflects its focus on safety, performance and sustainability throughout the year.

During the event, Iberia Country Manager Luis Miguel Cabanas presented brand updates, new product developments and future strategic direction. Partners were given the opportunity to drive the Seasonproof 2, the company’s newest all-season flagship tyre. Manufactured at Nokian Tyres’ zero carbon emissions factory in Romania, the Seasonproof 2 has been independently tested and verified by TUV SUD, Tyre Reviews and WhatTyre, and utilises up to 38 percent renewable, recyclable and ISCC PLUS–certified materials.

The tyre features the company’s latest innovations aimed at improving traction, precision and efficiency in varying conditions including technology designed to balance summer handling with winter grip, adaptive tread design for better performance in changing weather and a new compound optimised for durability, wet grip and fuel economy.

The event culminated with high-speed test runs on the 7-kilometre oval circuit with 40-degree banked corners, providing what the company described as an impressive demonstration of speed, control and overall driving performance. Nokian Tyres said the showcase strengthened relationships with key partners and reinforced its commitment to leading sustainable innovation in the all-season segment.

Nokian Tyres gathered nearly 100 workshop representatives from five partner companies at the Hakka Ring, its year-round testing facility in Santa Cruz de la Zarza, Spain, to highlight its latest advances in all-season tyre technology and exchange views on market trends and industry challenges. The company said the test center, designed for all-weather performance evaluation, reflects its focus on safety, performance and sustainability throughout the year.

During the event, Iberia Country Manager Luis Miguel Cabanas presented brand updates, new product developments and future strategic direction. Partners were given the opportunity to drive the Seasonproof 2, the company’s newest all-season flagship tyre. Manufactured at Nokian Tyres’ zero carbon emissions factory in Romania, the Seasonproof 2 has been independently tested and verified by TUV SUD, Tyre Reviews and WhatTyre, and utilises up to 38 percent renewable, recyclable and ISCC PLUS–certified materials.

The tyre features the company’s latest innovations aimed at improving traction, precision and efficiency in varying conditions including technology designed to balance summer handling with winter grip, adaptive tread design for better performance in changing weather and a new compound optimised for durability, wet grip and fuel economy.

The event culminated with high-speed test runs on the 7-kilometre oval circuit with 40-degree banked corners, providing what the company described as an impressive demonstration of speed, control and overall driving performance. Nokian Tyres said the showcase strengthened relationships with key partners and reinforced its commitment to leading sustainable innovation in the all-season segment.

Hankook Tire and Technology reported consolidated revenue of KRW 5.4127 trillion and operating profit of KRW 585.9 billion for the third quarter of 2025, the company said in a statement.

Tyre business sales rose 11.2 percent year-over-year to KRW 2.7070 trillion, while operating profit climbed 10.4 percent to KRW 519.2 billion, marking the company’s highest-ever quarterly performance.

Hankook attributed growth to stronger demand across global replacement and OE markets and a rising mix of high-inch tyres. Lower raw material and logistics costs helped cushion the impact of US automotive parts tariffs.

Hanon Systems, which has been fully consolidated into Hankook Tire’s results since the first quarter, generated KRW 2.7057 trillion in revenue, up 8.2 percent from a year earlier. Operating profit reached KRW 95.3 billion, an increase of 1.7 percent year-over-year and 48.2 percent quarter-over-quarter.

High-inch (18 inches and above) passenger car and light truck tyres accounted for 47.4 percent of segment sales in the quarter, up 2.6 percentage points from a year earlier. EV tyre sales represented 27 percent of the total, a 7-point increase year-over-year.

Hankook continued expanding OE fitments for premium EVs, citing supply agreements for the Porsche Macan, Xiaomi YU7, BMW iX, New i4 and New X3. The company now equips about 50 global automotive brands across more than 290 models.

Hankook’s EV-focused iON line-up and Ventus performance range won EV Tire of the Year and Performance Tire of the Year at the UK-based WhatTyre Awards, reinforcing its technology leadership.