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.”
Vredestein Comtrac 2+ Named Overall Winner In Promobil Motorhome Tyre Test
- By TT News
- May 18, 2026
The Vredestein Comtrac 2+ has been named the overall winner in the latest summer tyre test by Promobil, Germany’s leading motorhome magazine. The assessment focused on high-demand driving scenarios, with the tyre earning particular recognition for its short stopping distances on both wet and dry pavement.
The test evaluated seven leading summer tyres in size 225/75 R 16 C 121 R on a Fiat Ducato-based motorhome. All competitors were C-type products for vans and campers. The Comtrac 2+ recorded the best wet braking performance at 27 metres from 80 kmph and the highest aquaplaning resistance speed of 93.5 kmph. In dry conditions, it again led the field with a shortest braking distance of 41.1 metres, securing the test winner accolade.
Launched in late 2025, the Comtrac 2+ is available in 21 sizes for 15- to 17-inch rims, including XL load-rated versions. Its wet weather capability comes from a highly dispersible silica filler and a tread pattern designed to expel water. A durable construction, strengthened bead area for stability under load, and reinforced sidewalls for wear resistance contribute to its longevity and handling performance.
Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “This latest independent test confirms the Comtrac 2+ is one of the leading C-type summer tyres on the market. Tyre development requires a careful balance of characteristics, and this result shows that we have created a summer product that is an ideal choice for motorhomes operating in increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.”
Gothenburg District Court Rejects Termination Request For Enviro’s Company Reorganisation
- By TT News
- May 18, 2026
Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB (publ) has received a ruling from the Gothenburg District Court regarding its ongoing company reorganisation process. The court decided that the reorganisation, which the company has been undergoing, will continue rather than be terminated.
This legal determination follows a request submitted to the court that sought an end to the restructuring proceedings. In response to that request, Enviro had already provided its own statement to the District Court arguing for the continuation of the process. With the court’s latest decision now formally issued, the company is permitted to move forward with its planned measures without disruption.
Enviro has expressed a positive view of the court’s ruling, seeing it as an endorsement that allows the firm to persist with the necessary actions aimed at securing a long-term and sustainable business operation.
Michelin India Expands Rajasthan Presence With New MTS Store In Jodhpur
- By TT News
- May 18, 2026
Michelin India has opened a new Michelin Tyres & Services (MTS) store in Jodhpur through a partnership with Sushil Tyres. Located on Chopasani Road, the facility expands the French tyre giant’s retail footprint across Rajasthan while offering premium tyre solutions to local motorists.
Spanning 1,800 square feet, the outlet features Michelin’s full range of passenger car tyres alongside modern wheel alignment and balancing equipment. The inauguration was led by Prashant Sharma, Michelin India’s National Sales Director, with the site designed to deliver a premium and convenient service experience.
Jodhpur, known as the Blue City and a fast-growing commercial hub in Rajasthan, benefits from a strong tourism economy and rising numbers of premium vehicle owners. Sushil Tyres, a trusted local name since 1984, brings over four decades of aftermarket expertise, making the collaboration a blend of global technology and deep community knowledge focused on safety, durability and performance.
Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said: “Jodhpur represents a key market in Michelin's growth strategy for the region. The city's rapidly evolving mobility landscape, driven by growing infrastructure and a rising base of premium vehicle owners, makes it an important hub for our retail expansion. The launch of our new Michelin Tyres & Services Store in Jodhpur reinforces our commitment to expanding our network and ensuring greater accessibility to Michelin's premium products and services. This expansion is aligned with our plans to introduce Made-in-India passenger car tyres, reinforcing our commitment to delivering globally benchmarked products tailored for Indian consumers”
Bridgestone India Launches ‘Feel The Bridgestone Difference’ Campaign Highlighting Critical Role Of Tyres
- By TT News
- May 18, 2026
Bridgestone India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, has introduced a new brand campaign titled ‘Feel the Bridgestone Difference’. The initiative centres on the often-overlooked role of tyres as the sole critical contact point between a vehicle and the road. While every car is designed with a specific performance level in mind, the campaign argues that a vehicle can only realise its true potential when equipped with the appropriate tyres.
According to the campaign, tyres influence control, safety, confidence and driving smoothness far more than most drivers realise. Even the most well-engineered car delivers an incomplete experience without proper tyre fitment. Bridgestone positions its products as the key to unlocking a vehicle’s full capabilities, allowing drivers to feel a tangible difference on every journey. Over the past 30 years, Bridgestone India has focused on technology, manufacturing excellence, innovation and quality to build products that stand apart.
A key highlight of the campaign is the company’s commitment to staying ahead of industry standards without compromise. Bridgestone tyres offer benefits including better grip, stronger braking, smoother handling, lower road noise, improved fuel efficiency and longer tyre life. Drawing inspiration from nature, the campaign features animals such as the mountain goat, cheetah and rhino to symbolise grip, speed, strength and control in challenging terrains. This creative approach mirrors how Bridgestone tyres are engineered to perform across India’s diverse road and driving conditions.
The campaign serves as a reminder that while every car has built-in potential, the right tyres bring it to life. Promoted across multiple platforms nationwide, the initiative reinforces Bridgestone India’s long-standing promise of performance, safety and reliability for every driver.
Rajiv Sharma, Executive Director – Sales and Marketing, Bridgestone India, said, “Bridgestone has been a trusted name for Indian consumers, and that trust has come from consistently delivering safe, high-quality products and a superior driving experience. Our customers have experienced the Bridgestone difference over the years – whether in better control, smoother rides or long-lasting performance. ‘Feel the Bridgestone Difference’ is a campaign people will instantly relate to because it reflects something they have already felt. With this campaign, we want to take that experience to a larger audience and help more people understand how the right tyre fitment can completely transform the way a car performs.”
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