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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Prinx has announced an evolution in its enduring partnership with Garrett Truck Sport, marking a new chapter in their collaboration from the 2026 season onwards. The tyre manufacturer will assume lead brand status within the team’s motorsport programme, bringing a sharper brand focus and renewed drive to the initiative. This strategic shift is intended to strengthen the programme’s identity both on and off the track while elevating visibility for the Prinx brand and reinforcing the technical commitment that underpins the project. It also ensures closer integration between motorsport activities and the company’s wider commercial objectives across Europe.

The decision follows a strategic meeting in London, where Prinx representatives and the Garrett Truck Sport management team reviewed the 2025 season and aligned on the future direction. Driver Luke Garrett also took part in the discussions, which centred on creative alignment and the expression of the partnership throughout the 2026 season – from trackside presence to broader communications. With Prinx now taking the lead, the partnership aligns closely with the brand’s expanding footprint in the European commercial tyre sector and the ongoing rollout of its Truck and Bus range.

While Prinx assumes the flagship role, the wider brand portfolio remains integral to the programme. Austone Tires, Fortune Tires and Chengshan Tires continue to operate under the group’s unified motorsport platform, ensuring clarity and consistency for partners across Europe. From a commercial standpoint, the transition strengthens Prinx’s position in the European market.

Beyond track visibility, the partnership serves as a platform for genuine connection. Throughout the 2026 European Truck Racing Championship, Prinx will host selected partners and guests through a tailored hospitality programme at major events, fostering shared experiences and deeper collaboration within an authentic motorsport setting.

Ari Salah, Marketing Manager, Prinx, said, “This is a great opportunity for the PRINX brand to gain greater visibility and bring our portfolio into the spotlight. We are looking forward to the upcoming events and are pleased to share this journey with our partners. Updated Prinx flagship branding and livery will be revealed ahead of the 2026 season.”

Adrian Costache, Commercial Director, Prinx, said, “Taking the lead brand role allows us to focus the partnership more clearly on our commercial priorities in Europe and to support our partners with a strong, consistent presence throughout the season.”

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Scandinavian Enviro Systems (Enviro) has received court approval to initiate a formal company reorganisation process. The Gothenburg District Court granted the application submitted by the company on 26 February 2026, with the procedure applying specifically to the parent entity. This type of restructuring is initially granted for three-month intervals, with the first period now commencing. Johan Sölveland from Ackordscentralen has been appointed to oversee the process as reorganisation administrator.

The decision to seek this legal protection was driven by acute liquidity challenges. A primary factor was the financial strain from unfavourable contractual agreements tied to the Infiniteria joint venture. Additionally, costs stemming from disputes related to a domestic plant project, combined with ongoing arbitration proceedings, have hindered the company’s ability to attract new financing. Compounding these issues, the operational facility in Åsensbruk has not been generating sufficient cash flow to offset these pressures.

Through the reorganisation, the company aims to create necessary breathing room to negotiate with creditors and develop a sustainable long-term financial framework. Management is actively engaged in discussions with both suppliers and customers to maintain normal business operations throughout this period. A detailed plan outlining the proposed structural changes to the business will be presented in due course.

The board has confirmed that current liquidity is adequate to sustain operations for the initial three-month phase of the reorganisation. Efforts are underway to arrange additional funding within this timeframe, with the objective of presenting a fully financed restructuring plan that ensures the continuity of the business.

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Mitas has launched TERRAGUARD, a new generation of VF implement radial tyre, at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, held from 25 to 27 February. This latest addition to the Mitas portfolio addresses the pressing demands of contemporary agriculture, including the need to accommodate larger, heavier implements, improve operational efficiency and prioritise soil health.

Engineered for high-capacity applications, TERRAGUARD is designed to bear significant loads while operating at reduced inflation pressures. This allows the tyre to conform to ground contours, ensuring stable handling, a consistent footprint and reliable performance across uneven terrain during both fieldwork and road transport. The tyre’s square shoulder design maximises the contact patch to boost stability, while reinforced sidewalls improve lateral stability, especially when traveling on roads.

A key attribute of the TERRAGUARD is its focus on efficiency. Its advanced VF radial construction and optimised tread geometry lower rolling resistance, facilitating smoother operation and better energy conservation. Furthermore, the tyre’s ability to spread weight evenly over a larger surface area reduces soil compaction, preserving soil structure and enhancing productivity during extended work periods.

The distinctive sawtooth tread pattern complements this by balancing rolling efficiency with controlled traction, minimising vibration and ensuring dependable performance across diverse cultivation tasks and conditions. By integrating high load capacity, operational efficiency and soil protection into one solution, the Mitas TERRAGUARD meets the needs of modern farming. Initially available in sizes VF 280/70R15 TL IMP 140D and VF 295/75R22.5 TL IMP 158D, the range is set to expand with additional sizes in the future.

Roberta D’Agnano, Marketing Director MItas at Yokohama TWS, said, “Modern agricultural operations require implement tyres that do more than simply carry weight. With TERRAGUARD, we combined advanced VF technology with an innovative tread design that actively supports efficiency and soil protection, helping farmers boost productivity in demanding applications. Presenting this product for the first time at Commodity Classic is especially meaningful for us, as the US market is at the forefront of large-scale, high-load farming applications. TERRAGUARD has been developed to meet the specific demands of American farmers, making this event the ideal platform for its global debut.”

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A landmark supply agreement was formalised at the PIF Private Sector Forum 2026 in Riyadh to advance local manufacturing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) will provide polybutadiene rubber and carbon black to a joint venture established by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Pirelli. This partnership will supply the raw materials necessary to produce three and a half million tyres annually at a facility within the King Salman Automotive Cluster at King Abdullah Economic City.

This initiative marks a significant step for the NUSANED localisation programme by enhancing domestic content and establishing a comprehensive tyre production value chain within Saudi Arabia. The agreement is unprecedented as it enables the complete manufacturing of car tyres locally. It will result in the creation of a bespoke Saudi tyre brand specifically designed for passenger vehicles and regional car manufacturers, operating alongside the production of Pirelli-branded tyres.

The PIF Private Sector Forum serves as a vital platform connecting PIF-related companies, government entities and private firms to cultivate new partnerships. The event plays a crucial role in enabling the private sector to drive transformative projects. It facilitates the exploration of high-potential opportunities that support business expansion and contribute to shaping the nation's economic future, in direct alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

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