Ceat Signs Rana Daggubati As Brand Ambassador

Ceat Signs Rana Daggubati As Brand Ambassador

Ceat Tyres  has signed the Bahubali-fame star Rana Daggubati as its brand ambassador for promoting the 'Puncture Safe' range of bike tyres across various media platforms.

Daggubati will be part of the company's integrated marketing campaign across all five southern states of India. He is also expected to feature in the new commercial for 'Puncture Safe' tyres to be aired across TV and digital platforms.

The Indian tyre manufacturer has launched the unique 'Puncture Safe Tyres' for motorcycles in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. 
The tyres prevent the loss of air by sealing themselves after getting punctured. The technology can seal punctures for nails up to 2.5 mm in diameter. Ceat has developed the patented technology in house.

Arnab Banerjee, Chief Operating Officer, Ceat Tyres, said, "We at Ceat have always believed in our vision of 'Making Mobility Safer and Smarter Every day'. The launch of our new campaign articulates the same for motorcycles. The central idea is to highlight the importance of using durable tyres to prevent disruptions on any terrain. We are delighted to have Rana Daggubati on board for this campaign as he perfectly embodies the strength and durability of Ceat's 'Puncture Safe' technology. The India-England test series offers an ideal opportunity for us to connect with our customers as it is one of the most widely watched event in India with a massive viewership."
Daggubati said, "I am proud to be associated with one of the most respected brands in India. Playing a 'Keel wale baba' character was a unique experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed the shoot. I am looking forward to an exciting journey with Ceat Tyres"

Rohit Dubey, Group Creative Director, O&M said, "As privileged creative partners of Brand Ceat, we believe that the only predictable thing about a Ceat tyre commercial should be that it should not follow hackneyed codes of tyre advertising. 'Keel wale baba', is another essential brick in bolstering Ceat's brand voice. On this project, we dug into our Indian cultural references of nails, godmen, and connected the dots leading to innovative puncture safe technology. And as always, it was an absolute joy creating it with the ever positive and courageous Ceat marketing team." (TT)

Himadri Speciality Chemical’s Hooghly Plant Gets ISCC PLUS Certification

Himadri - ISCC Plus

Kolkata-based Himadri Speciality Chemical has announced that its flagship plant in Mahistikry, Haripal, Hooghly, has received ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification).

The company has been recognised for its ecological and social responsibility, along with compliance with stringent criteria on greenhouse gas emission reduction, ecosystem protection, social accountability and complete traceability of raw materials.

Anurag Choudhary, CMD & CEO, Himadri Speciality Chemical, said, “Achieving ISCC PLUS certification marks a defining step in Himadri’s sustainability journey. It validates our determination to integrate renewable, low- carbon, and circular solutions into every layer of our operations. As global industries shift towards sustainable value chains, Himadri is leading this transformation—delivering innovative and responsible solutions that create long-term value for society, the environment, and our stakeholders worldwide.”

With this recognition, the company joins a number of global players who are driving systemic change towards responsible sourcing and production.

George Varughese, Founder Of Midas Retreading Materials, Passes Away

George Varughese, Founder Of Midas Retreading Materials, Passes Away

George Varughese, founder of General Rubbers and the man behind the iconic Midas brand of tyre retreading materials, passed away on 28th August, 2025.

Varughese established General Rubbers in 1969, building Midas into India’s most recognised name in retreading materials. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a global player, supplying more than 24,000 tonnes of tread rubber, precured tread rubber and other products annually. Today, Midas serves customers across South America, Africa, Europe and Australia.

Known for his vision and emphasis on innovation, Varughese placed research and development at the heart of Midas’s success. His commitment to improving compound formulations with the latest technology ensured the brand’s reputation for durability and reliability.

With operations centred in Kottayam, Kerala, Midas continues to expand its dealer network, reflecting Varughese’s lifelong mission of accessibility and customer service.

Varughese leaves behind a lasting legacy in India’s tyre industry, remembered as a pioneer who transformed the retreading sector into a global business.

Vaculug Appoints Nick Hermitage As Operations Manager – OTR South

Vaculug Appoints Nick Hermitage As Operations Manager – OTR South

Vaculug has named Nick Hermitage as Operations Manager – OTR South, following a significant expansion in its OTR Division.

The company's new OTR Centre of Excellence in the South East will serve as Hermitage's headquarters. He is in charge of making sure the depot runs smoothly, which includes daily administration, logistics, foam filling and tyre pressing. Hermitage brings with him a depth of experience, knowledge and skill – accumulated over 22 years in the tyre industry.

Alan Robin, National Account Manager – OTR, Vaculug Technologies Ltd, said, "This is an incredibly exciting time at Vaculug, and we are fortunate to welcome Nick to the OTR team. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of both OTR and solid tyre operations will be instrumental as we build on our significant investments in the division. I am confident Nick will make a strong contribution to our growth and I wish him every success in his new role."

Hankook Tire Europe Appoints Richard Bezzant As Truck And Bus Marketing Director

Hankook Tire Europe Appoints Richard Bezzant As Truck And Bus Marketing Director

Hankook Tire Europe GmbH has appointed Richard Bezzant as the new Marketing Director Truck and Bus with effect from 1 August 2025.

The British-born marketing and sales expert started his career with Michelin in UK in 2003. He brings with him more than two decades of experience in the tyre business for buses and trucks. Following a five-year period in leadership roles in France, he most recently served as Marketing Director for UK and Ireland, where he was responsible for developing and managing the complete marketing strategy across all business divisions.

Bezzant said, “My goal is to support growth opportunities for Hankook in the European truck and bus sector and expand them further. I am confident that we will be able to build on what has been achieved so far and continue to expand the business with innovative products and services. I am glad to be working with a great team to pursue our goals.”

Jang Hyuk Moon, Vice President – Marketing Department, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “With Richard Bezzant, we have appointed an industry-leading expert for our truck and bus marketing activities. With his decades of experience, we will consistently expand our business in the commercial vehicle sector and strengthen our market position in Europe in the long term.”