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.”
TyreSafe Warns Driver Overconfidence Masks Tyre Safety Gaps
- By TT News
- October 10, 2026
TyreSafe, UK’s leading tyre safety charity, has raised concerns that overconfidence among UK motorists could be concealing a serious road safety problem. Fresh research indicates a notable gap between how drivers rate their own abilities and their actual vehicle maintenance habits. While 42 percent of drivers consider themselves above average at handling emergencies, that figure rises to 51 percent among men. Yet 1 in 10 has never examined tyre pressure or tread depth, and merely a quarter have done so within the previous month.
Regional patterns remain broadly similar, though behavioural differences point to inconsistent awareness and upkeep across the country. The organisation stresses that tyres represent the sole contact between a vehicle and the road, meaning even minor defects can materially affect braking, grip and control. TyreSafe is therefore urging drivers to incorporate regular tyre checks into their routines and to act before they react.
Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “Confidence is not a substitute for preparation. No matter how skilled a driver believes they are, tyres ultimately determine how a vehicle performs in an emergency. You cannot outdrive poor tyre condition. Regular checks are essential to ensure your vehicle responds as expected when it matters most.”
Hankook Sets Sights On UK Bus Market With Euro Bus Expo Debut
- By TT News
- October 10, 2026
Hankook Tire will debut at Euro Bus Expo in 2026, strengthening its presence in the UK passenger transport sector. The event runs from 3–5 November at the NEC Birmingham, bringing together operators, manufacturers, suppliers and decision-makers for three days of innovation and networking.
With over 190 exhibitors and more than 7,000 visitors expected, the exhibition showcases full-size buses, coaches, mini vehicles, advanced technologies and services, letting attendees connect with key suppliers across the global supply chain.
At stand 38, Hankook Tyre UK will present its latest bus and coach tyres, focusing on innovation, sustainability and performance. Highlights include the Smart Touring AL22 for long-distance coaches, the urban Smart City AU04+ and AU06 with measurable sidewall protection, the Laufenn LF60 for mixed-use applications and the new e-Smart City AU56 EV tyre engineered for low rolling resistance, reduced noise and higher electric vehicle loads.
With partner Vaculug, Hankook will launch the LB01, a first-of-its-kind hot-cure remoulded urban bus tyre, reinforcing its total tyre solutions role and circular economy commitment. Vaculug’s sustainable manufacturing expertise, recently recognised with the King’s Award for Enterprise, supports the collaboration. The 2026 edition also offers seminars and technical sessions on industry trends and greener transport, giving Hankook a platform to boost visibility and reinforce its leadership in the commercial bus and coach tyre market.
VMI Opens Service Facility In Mexico To Strengthen Customer Support
- By TT Bureau
- October 09, 2026
VMI has opened a new service facility in León, Mexico, as the company expands its local support for customers and its growing installed base.
The facility was officially opened on 8th October , with a ceremony attended by Fonseca, the State’s Subsecretary; Rodriguez, Deputy Mayor Of León; and Harm Voortman, Chief Executive of VMI Group. Customers and local employees also attended the event, which included a tree-planting ceremony.
The company said the new facility had been designed with a focus on sustainability, including waste management and energy use. The tree planting highlighted VMI’s environmental commitments, following its recent achievement of EcoVadis Platinum status.
The opening follows VMI’s recent launch of a sales and support office in Yokohama, Japan, reflecting the importance of the Japanese market to the group.
Alongside the León opening, VMI held a customer seminar showcasing its latest innovations in tyre-building and tyre-component preparation solutions.
“This state-of-the-art facility in León, the drum workshop and our local presence, will help us support customers in Mexico more efficiently with faster response times and enhanced levels of service,” said Voortman.
Michelin Chronicles MotoGP Era In New Documentary Series
- By TT News
- October 09, 2026
Michelin has prepared a six-part documentary series chronicling its 11-season tenure in MotoGP as its current stint as the championship’s sole tyre supplier nears its conclusion. Titled ‘Racing on Trust – A Decade of Michelin in MotoGP’, the production examines the manufacturer’s return to the premier class in 2016 through the perspectives of those directly involved, rather than focusing solely on results and statistical milestones. The first two episodes premiered on 8 October 2026, via the Michelin Motorsport and Michelin Group YouTube channels, with the remaining four instalments arriving weekly on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.
The project assembles 25 figures from across the paddock who agreed to recount their experiences without editorial constraint. World champions, current and former riders, team principals, championship executives, journalists and Michelin Motorsport personnel contribute previously untold accounts spanning the 11 seasons. Among them, Valentino Rossi revisits the closing chapter of his career, Marc Márquez addresses his injury and subsequent recovery and Johann Zarco describes the circumstances surrounding his landmark victory at Le Mans. Their recollections, alongside those of peers and officials, trace both the evolution of the sport and the individuals who shaped it.
Contributors include riders Marc Márquez, Valentino Rossi, Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martín, Fabio Quartararo, Maverick Viñales, Cal Crutchlow, Jack Miller and Johann Zarco. Team and organisational figures comprise Lucio Cecchinello of LCR, Ducati Corse’s Gigi Dall’Igna, Alberto Puig of Honda HRC, Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, Loris Capirossi of race direction and Hervé Poncharal of Tech3. Media representatives include Sylvain Guintoli, Manuel Pecino, Simon Patterson, Guido Meda and Michel Turco, while Michelin Motorsport is represented by Piero Taramasso, Jean-Claude Catalano, Jean-Philippe Cappelle and Nicolas Goubert, with additional input from Maria Herrera.
The opening episode, ‘2016: The Comeback’, documents Michelin’s return and the formidable task of replacing the championship’s previous sole supplier at motorcycling’s highest level. The second, ‘Regain Trust’, examines how setbacks and difficulties ultimately reinforced confidence between the manufacturer, riders and teams, deliberately avoiding a narrative built exclusively around success.
‘Listen to the Bike’, scheduled for 15 October, begins on a wet circuit with limited grip before delving into rider sensation and feedback, illustrating a development cycle driven by continuous exchange among riders, engineers, teams and Michelin technicians. Breaking Point’, releasing on 22 October, covers the 2020 and 2021 campaigns, when the pandemic, Márquez’s injury and the arrival of a new generation reshaped the competitive hierarchy, a transition symbolically concluded by Rossi’s farewell after more than two decades.
‘A New Era’, arriving on 29 October, follows MotoGP into a fresh phase marked by increasingly capable machines and emerging talent, with Michelin advancing its tyres to extend performance boundaries. The concluding episode, ‘Final Sprint’, releasing on 5 November, reflects on 11 seasons of profound technological change and an exceptional human undertaking.
Throughout the six films, technology remains a constant presence, yet trust emerges as the defining thread, binding riders to their tyres, engineers to teams and, above all, people working together under the extreme pressures of competition.
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