It was in 1993, the first edition of the K.M. Philip Gold Medal was instituted to recognise and honour contribution of individuals that have made a mark in the Indian rubber industry. The biennial award is presented under the aegis of the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA). Since 1993 and till 2019, AIRIA has given this award to 13 distinguished individuals for their contribution towards the growth of the Indian rubber industry.

Philip had played a key role in establishing the Indian Rubber Manufacturer Research Association (IRMRA), helping it grow into a leading research laboratory associated with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Under his vision, IRMRA became a critical institution for tyre testing for both Indian and foreign manufacturers.

The K.M, Philip family feels that the award has served its purpose. Hence as a gracious closure and a finale event, the foundation has decided to honour three individuals/institutions/bodies with the  distribution of the final K.M. Philip Gold Medal in the following three categories –

K.M. Philip Gold Medal Research and Development Award

This award recognises individuals or institutions for their contributions to research and development in the rubber industry, with a particular emphasis on innovations that promote environmental sustainability.

K.M. Philip Gold Medal Entrepreneur/Businessman for the MSME Industry Development Award

The award recognises entrepreneurs who have achieved notable success in building a business from the ground up (greenfield projects) or elevating a first-generation enterprise to a global standard. The recipient should have led their industry to a prominent position in its product segment, with a preference given to those who have reduced their business's carbon footprint.

K.M. Philip Gold Medal for Institution and Rubber Industry Brand Builder Award

The award acknowledges individuals or institutions that have significantly contributed to the growth, recognition, and brand value of the Indian rubber industry and its institutions. The recipient must have initiated and executed initiatives that enhanced the industry’s overall reputation, including infrastructural institutions.

Philip is often referred to as pioneer in the rubber industry. From founding AIRIA to receiving a National Award, his legacy continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.

The past winners of the K.M. Philip Gold Medal include –

1. Late Manu M Patel (1993): Rendering services through development work, introduction of usage of synthetic rubber, technical service and training etc.
2. Late W G Desai (1995): Rendering services through pioneering work in reclaim rubber, technical services and training, standardisation, assistance in growth of SSI etc.
3. Late Shri S V Lathia (1997): Successful research work carried out to manufacture products, previously imported, thus saving in foreign exchange and for outstanding work in social and rural development work.
4. Late R K Jain (1999): pioneering efforts and developing work in promotion of exports, import substitution, technical upgradation and setting high standards in growth of SSI etc.
5. Prof Anil K Bhowmick (2001): pioneering research into the chemistry of polymers and incorporation of these new developments into technologies and outstanding contribution to imparting education to Indian rubber technologists.
6. Dr Raghupati Singhania (2003): Pioneering efforts to usher in radial tyre technology to India, his foresightedness in setting up state-of-art R&D center HASETRI, his commitment to industrial growth through his leadership in numerous group companies etc.
7. Dr R K Matthan (2005): pioneering efforts in technology transfer, establishment and commissioning of TSR factories, his continued association with technical development and usage of new forms of natural rubber, development of ultra safe\catheters, his continued association with IRI, IRMRA, Cochin university etc.
8. Late Anil Sampat (2007): For his pioneering work in conceiving and successfully organising IRE and providing a platform to the rubber industry to expose its latest technology and to facilitate two way technical exchange and trade, his entrepreneurial qualities in rubber, footwear and textile industries etc.
9. Late R K Raman (2011); His pioneering efforts in establishing world class facility MIL Industries for manufacture of rubber lining coupled with using cold bond process for first time in India, developing advanced technology applications of rubber products in Aerospace industries etc.
10. R V Gandhi (2013): pioneering efforts in developing wide range of reclaim rubbers made from natural and synthetic elastomers, establishing GRP as the largest and most respected manufacturer of reclaim rubber in the world and putting India at the forefront of export of reclaim rubber, his initiative in developing global specifications for reclaim rubber under the aegis of ISO TC 45, his contribution to the cause of education, empowerment of women and training in ethical values etc.
11. Late M F Vohra (2015): For pioneering efforts in developing Zenith Rubber into a global scale manufacturer and supplier of quality rubber sheeting and allied rubber products and exporting 80% to developed markets, for his pioneering his leadership efforts at CAPEXIL in removing impediments to exports of rubber products thereby enabling double digit annual growth of rubber products exports, etc.
12. P K Mohamed (2017): For his pioneering efforts and contribution to high technology in core processes in tyre manufacturing, his pivotal role in standardising tyre dimensions, his passionate commitment to IRI and other technical bodies etc.
13. Arvind Poddar (2019): For his pioneering efforts in evolving BKT from a family enterprise into one of the largest technologically sophisticated companies in the Off-Highway Tyre segment, for his commitment to use green technology, for being recipient of several Government of India Awards for R&D etc.

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MAXAM Tire has named Chris Rhoades as its new Zone Sales Director for the Northern region, a move that underscores the company’s dedication to expanding its footprint and enhancing customer service within the speciality tyre aftermarket. The appointment reflects a broader strategy to strengthen leadership and competitive positioning in the sector.

Rhoades brings over 25 years of international industry experience and a well-established reputation as a leading voice in the tyre business. His leadership credentials include being elected to two separate terms on the Tire Industry Association Board of Directors. Most recently at BKT Tires, he managed strategic growth in complex and highly technical off the road markets, where he aligned regional execution with global strategy, led cross functional teams and consistently delivered measurable revenue increases.

In his new capacity, Rhoades will direct all sales operations across the Northern region, collaborating closely with customers and partners to ensure performance, service and support remain synonymous with the MAXAM Tire brand. His appointment signals a focused effort to drive results through experienced leadership and deep market knowledge.

Jimmy McDonnell, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, MAXAM Tire, said, “We are excited to welcome Chris to the MAXAM team. Chris brings deep industry knowledge, proven leadership and a strong customer-first mindset that will create immediate value for our partners. His experience and vision will play an important role as we continue to grow our presence, strengthen relationships and expend the MAXAM brand across the market.”

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Bekaert’s Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Olivier Biebuyck as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 June 2026. He brings extensive expertise in leading, expanding and transforming global industrial enterprises through both organic growth and acquisitions, positioning him to drive Bekaert’s future strategic goals.

On that same date, the board will co-opt Biebuyck as a director. Meanwhile, current CEO and board member Yves Kerstens will conclude his mandate on 31 May 2026, having led the company in recent years. He will also step down from his directorship as of that day.

The leadership transition marks a carefully planned succession, with Biebuyck’s track record seen as critical to advancing Bekaert’s long-term ambitions. The changes take effect at the end of May and start of June 2026.

Jürgen Tinggren, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “I am proud to announce the appointment of Olivier Biebuyck as CEO of Bekaert. The Board is convinced that he is the right person to lead the transformation of the company in its next chapter. On behalf of the Board and the entire Bekaert team, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Yves for his leadership, commitment and contribution to the company over the past years, and wish him the very best.”

Biebuyck said, “Bekaert has an impressive history of innovation, business expansion and evolution. I am honoured to take up the role of CEO at Bekaert. I look forward to working closely with the Board, the leadership team and all colleagues around the world to further transform and grow the company and create long term value for all our stakeholders.”

Kerstens said, “It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of Bekaert and to work alongside our colleagues around the world during the past years. I am proud of what we have achieved together and wish Olivier all the best to lead the company in building a strong future.”

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Sri Lanka-based GRI Tires has extended its limited warranty coverage for pneumatic tyres to up to 10 years, effective from 2026, as the specialty tyre manufacturer seeks to strengthen customer assurance across its agricultural, construction and material handling businesses.

The revised warranty policy applies to all GRI-branded pneumatic tyres manufactured on or after January 1, 2025, and covers customers in more than 80 countries. The company previously offered warranty coverage of up to seven years.

Under the updated policy, agricultural radial tyres will be covered for up to 10 years, while agricultural bias tyres will receive coverage of up to eight years. Construction, earthmover, industrial, material handling, port and mining tyres will be covered for up to five years, subject to terms and conditions.

GRI said warranty protection would cover qualifying defects, with credit issued on a pro-rated basis.

For qualifying failures occurring within the first three years, and where radial tyre wear does not exceed 20 per cent, customers will receive a full replacement credit.

The warranty applies exclusively to the original end-use purchaser.

“This enhanced 10-year warranty is more than a policy update — it is a statement of our conviction in the quality of every tire we manufacture,” said Barry Guildford, global commercial director at GRI.

“We build tires to perform in the most demanding conditions, and we stand behind them.”

Customers can submit warranty claims through authorised GRI dealers and distributors, or directly through the company’s customer support channels.

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Georg Nordmann Holding Aktiengesellschaft (GNH) has appointed Martin Rathke as Managing Director of its subsidiary Nordmann (Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH), effective 1 May 2026. The move marks a strategic step in the company’s ongoing leadership development.

Rathke joins with considerable leadership experience and deep knowledge of international sales and distribution within the chemical distribution sector. His career includes years of service in a family-owned enterprise, where he held senior management roles with global responsibility. He will now share leadership duties with Ulrich Cramer, who remains in his position, and together they aim to form a closely aligned team to advance Nordmann’s strategic direction.

The joint leadership will focus on accelerating global expansion through targeted strategic, organic and inorganic growth while optimising existing operations and continuously refining the company’s portfolio strategy. Backed by the commitment of its shareholders, Nordmann seeks to strengthen its international presence and evolve into a global player in the chemical distribution industry.

Irina Zschaler, CEO of Georg Nordmann Holding Aktiengesellschaft, said, “Martin brings exactly the combination of entrepreneurial mindset, international experience and leadership strength that we value in our relationships and for our path to grow. Our collaboration is based on responsibility, integrity and the aspiration to create added value together for all involved and the entire group. We are therefore very much looking forward to welcoming our full Nordmann team.”

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