Jyotsna came on board as the CFO and Head of IT of Bridgestone India, around two-and-a-half years ago - in April 2018. Since then, she has ensured attentive capacities are in place, thus focusing on maintaining cost control and delegating financial management. Afterall, the tyre industry is highly competitive and market-driven. And yes, digital evolution and safety of her colleagues and business partners have become one of her top priorities during the pandemic.

Raised in a modest and orthodox business family of six daughters, principles such as hard work, humility, and honesty were a natural part of growing up for her. Married at the age of twenty-one, Jyotsna wanted to be more than just a housewife. Thus, she pursued her grinding CA qualification while being a mother of a baby boy.

“I pursued further education and got a professional qualification, CA, in 1994. Not an easy call in any way. The profession itself was demanding and then to be able to garner the support of the larger family was a big task considering the social norms at the time. However, with the great support from my in-laws, my husband Rajesh, and my conviction, I managed to pursue this new path,” Jyotsna recalls.

When asked about what she would attribute to the leadership qualities she has achieved, she reflects on her family background and the formative years of her life. Marriage was the ultimate end-goal for all girls back then, she says. But, her father, who was a civil engineer, and ran a unit into precision tools manufacturing, understood the value of education. He ensured all his daughters received quality higher education. This paid off as all of Jyotsna’s sisters are highly qualified across different streams.

Jyotsna also mentions the underlying importance of financial independence that was ever-present while growing up. These values, coupled with formal education and academics, added to her versatile calibre. However, she says studies were never her cup of tea. Her interests were games, food, and fun. Having done her graduation at BMCC, life was relatively stress-free then.

However, getting married at the early age was a turning point in her life when she braved the conventional social norms at the time and pursued her CA studies. She adds that the journey from 1989-1994 was full of challenges, excitement, courage, and family support. Significant challenges to pursue her CA were to convince the in-laws to allow her to go and live in a hostel and study and to be able to meet social obligations as a newly-wed woman, and not being able to give time to her son.

 “To be able to give my 100% to the studies amidst all of this was quite difficult. However, I always kept my eye on the big picture.”

Jyotsna started her professional career at Kinetic Honda, a manufacturing organisation which, she says, was not perceived to be ideal for women and had limitations to growth. “But that made me work even harder. However, it was a role of my choice, and I worked with them for nine years, and those were my formative career years. A combination of experience at Firodiya, a well-respected business house and a Japanese business brand is great learning for any finance professional. I took additional responsibilities on multiple functions and projects to rise the ladder at a good pace as by now; I had found my Ikigai- a reason to live.”

 “Amidst all this, the family challenges continued as my husband Rajesh had moved to Singapore, and I single-handedly attended to our son”.

At the workplace, she always ensures that she works hard and does everything from grassroots and is never bothered about her designation and qualification as, for her, that is a means and not an end. “Over the years, I worked on building and strengthening relationships and never really kept any limitations to what I wanted to achieve.”

COVID has turned the auto industry upside down. New normal is becoming a part of life and businesses as well. Whereas the challenges of COVID have been unprecedented, it also brought new ways of doing businesses. Now employee safety is becoming a top priority, while digital evolution is bringing a new era ahead of the industry.

At Bridgestone, Jyotsna says, the safety of their people and safeguarding their operations have been the topmost priority. Ever since COVID first hit the country, the company took proactive measures to not only keep the people safe but, also streamline operations in the wake of new normal. Furthermore, at the back of accelerated digitisation, Bridgestone India has been able to bring the right solutions for its consumers as well as ensure the same levels of productivity within the organisation. 

When asked about how she feels about working in such a dynamic industry, Jyotsna says, “The automobile industry is where my professional career is slated. Kinetic Honda, SKF Bearings, NRB Bearings, Sandvik Asia and now Bridgestone are my performing turfs. One side of the industry, i.e., channel partners, are the same - similar channels set up requirements, risks, opportunities, and expectations of the partners. What differs is the strength of the product and strength of the competitor. Bridgestone, with its world-class Japanese technology in tyre manufacturing, is one of the leading and most trusted brands with all the strengths on the product, manufacturing, and innovation.” 

“The market in India is huge, and the progressive growth and demographics of the country are definitely positive. At Bridgestone India, we are financially secure with a good product range, best manufacturing facilities, substantial market share, reliable channel partners and an ambitious and committed workforce. The biggest risk is getting complacent and losing focus on cost. The tyre industry is competitive, and market driven. Also, the capacities are in place, thus keeping focus and maintaining cost control is the financial management challenge which is exciting.”

Like everyone, COVID has influenced Jyotsna’s personal and professional life. According to her, COVID was a blessing in disguise to be able to spend all this time at home and spending time to call and check on all near and dear ones, reconnecting, rejuvenating were positives in this situation.

However, work from home bears multiple challenges and ,for her the divide between official work and domestic duties was practically invisible. As the Head of IT and CFO, Jyotsna had a great responsibility to ensure the digital solutions were up and running and without causing the loss of productivity at the same time managing concerns around security and support. “As a CFO, a time to complete FY 20 financials and audits, and the Mid-term – 3 years business plan process which were very challenging.”

“But I would say the times have tested my abilities to stay strong under all situations. I would like to say this to my fellow leaders that encourage your teams throughout and keep the work exciting as always. This will ensure a positive sentiment in these trying times.”

As much as work is refreshing with so much happening, Jyotsna does take personal time to recharge. She loves to drive and have been doing rallies like Raid the Himalaya, Desert Storm, Spice Challenge. She has also done international driving vacations.

 “Amidst the lockdown, I recently drove to Bangalore to be with my son Prateek. The memory of absolutely traffic-free roads and my car racing at 230-250 with confidence to touch Bangalore from Pune non-stop in 9 hours was wonderful. We drove through Kabini and spent a holiday together, making memories.”

“I also like to read, so I took this opportunity to download the most read books Ikigai, Atomic Habits, Just do It – the Nike story and many more.”

 “Netflix was another relaxing way to spend some time, and the most exciting watch for me was Drills apart from many others. I love to socialise and continued e-socialising as well.”

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Oak Group Holdings has secured the acquisition of Exhaust, Tyres and Batteries (ETB), a UK automotive service provider formerly owned by Bridgestone. This purchase introduces a significant new distribution channel for the expanding company while marking a strategic shift in its operational reach.

With ETB now fully integrated into the portfolio, Oak gains four warehouses spanning Wales, the Midlands and the Southwest of England. These additions bolster the firm’s existing wholesale network and extend its geographical presence across key regions. The deal also grants Oak direct access to consumers through ETB’s established fast-fit network – a first in the company’s 45-year history – allowing its technology-driven and brand-focused service model to enter the fast-fit sector.

The two companies' brand portfolios are well matched, allowing for a smooth transition to the current tyre brands presently under the Oak Group banner, which include Davanti, Envoy, Landsail, Linglong, Delinte and Aptany, ensuring continuity and strengthening the combined offering, said the company.

Peter Cross, Commercial Director, Oak Group Holdings, said, “2026 marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Oak. This milestone acquisition demonstrates the strength of our business, our continued investment and our long-term commitment as a wholesaler operating in what has been a turbulent and challenging market in recent years. We are very excited to welcome ETB colleagues to the Oak Group. We know the ETB team has vast experience and our values are closely aligned in terms of the importance of customer service in every aspect of what we do.”

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, is highlighting the significant safety risks posed by under-inflated or degraded motorcycle tyres when bikes are brought back into use after winter storage. With motorcyclists across Great Britain preparing for the return to the road, the organisation stresses that thorough tyre inspections are essential. This urgency is underscored by troubling casualty data: in 2024, a total of 340 motorcyclists lost their lives on British roads, while over 5,400 suffered serious injuries and more than 10,000 sustained slight injuries. Fatalities rose by eight percent between 2023 and 2024, even though traffic increased by only four percent.

The core of TyreSafe’s warning lies in the hidden effects of prolonged inactivity. Even if tread depth appears sufficient, tyres can lose air pressure and structural integrity while a bike remains stationary. Unlike cars, motorcycles depend entirely on two small contact patches for grip, braking and stability, leaving almost no room for error. This makes the consequences of neglect particularly severe, especially in critical moments such as braking into a bend or riding on wet roads.

The impact of under-inflated or degraded tyres manifests in several noticeable ways. Riders may encounter a wallowing sensation during cornering, vague or heavy steering, reduced handlebar feedback and increased stopping distances. Irregular wear patterns and diminished fuel efficiency can also emerge. As pressure drops, excessive tyre flex generates internal heat, accelerating structural damage and raising the risk of sudden failure. Tread distortion further compromises grip, particularly in wet conditions where aquaplaning becomes a greater danger.

Visible sidewall cracking indicates that rubber compounds have hardened and lost flexibility, diminishing the tyre’s ability to maintain grip and absorb road forces. For a motorcycle, where balance and control hinge entirely on tyre integrity, such cracking can signal an imminent risk of grip loss or failure. Deep or widespread cracks warrant immediate replacement. Even occasional use during storage helps preserve flexibility and pressure stability, making meticulous inspection especially critical for seasonally ridden motorcycles.

TyreSafe urges road users to embrace the simple ACT protocol: regular checks of air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “After months off the road, many riders are eager to get back out and enjoy their bikes – but tyres may not be in the same condition they were at the end of last season. Under-inflation can make a bike feel heavy, vague or unstable in corners, while degraded rubber reduces grip – especially in the wet. With casualty numbers rising, riders can’t afford to overlook something as fundamental as tyre safety. A simple check before the first ride could prevent a serious incident.”

Craig Carey-Clinch, Director of the National Motorcycle Council, said, “Motorcyclists depend completely on their tyres for grip, braking and stability. When tyres are under-inflated or deteriorated, the changes in handling can be subtle at first – but in an emergency situation, those differences can be decisive. Carrying out thorough tyre checks before the first ride of the season is one of the simplest and most effective ways riders can reduce avoidable risk.”

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Tegeta Motors is marking World Zero Waste Day with a dedicated environmental initiative at its Batumi branch, running from 30 March through 5 April 2026. During this period, the company invites citizens to responsibly dispose of used automotive products such as batteries, tyres and oil at the on-site ‘Tegeta Green Planet’ collection point. Rather than discarding these items, participants contribute to a sustainable cycle, as Tegeta Motors arranges for the collected materials to be transported to licensed recycling facilities where they are processed in full compliance with technical regulations.

To encourage participation, the company is offering several incentives for those who bring in their used items. Contributors will receive specially designed gifts featuring the Tegeta Green Planet logo, crafted from recycled banners previously used in the company’s own campaigns. Additionally, participants can benefit from a 25 percent cashback on new automotive products, including batteries, oils and tyres. As a special recognition, the individual who brings in the largest quantity of tyres and the greatest weight of batteries will be awarded a 300 GEL voucher from Tegeta Motors.

This effort reflects Tegeta Motors’ longstanding commitment to environmental responsibility. Through its ongoing partnership with Tegeta Green Planet, the company has for years promoted effective automotive waste management aligned with technical standards. The collection point at the Batumi branch, located at 1 Yuri Gagarin Street, will be open from 30 March to 4 April between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and on 5 April from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., welcoming all who wish to contribute to this green initiative.

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Zeon initiated the first iteration of its ZEON ACADEMY, known as the German/International Elastomer course, with a gathering held in Italy during March. This educational programme was originally established by Zeon’s technical team in 2015 with the core mission of disseminating expertise surrounding the company’s speciality elastomers and associated product lines. The curriculum is designed to illuminate practical applications and to explore emerging opportunities where these advanced materials can be effectively utilized.

Over the course of two days in Sarnico, the Zeon Europe team engaged with a diverse group of attendees representing a broad spectrum of industries, who demonstrated strong support for the seminar. The sessions facilitated in-depth discussions covering Zeon’s product portfolio, real-world applications and evolving market trends. For those interested in participating in future training opportunities, reaching out to a Zeon representative is the recommended way to express interest or register colleagues.

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