CEAT, a leading tyre manufacturer, has appointed Debashish Roy as its Chief Digital Transformation Officer with effect from 2 December 2024. He will report to Amit Tolani, Chief Executive of CEAT Specialty.

Roy has 15-plus years of experience in digital and IT strategy, data and analytics, programme management, product and process innovation, change management, ecosystem partnerships, omnichannel customer experience, new business models and cross-functional team communication and management. He has led multi-cultural teams across India, North America, Europe and Emerging Asia through significant roles in Abbott India Ltd, PwC US Advisory and Cognizant Business Consulting. Before joining CEAT, Roy proved his mettle as the Director of Digital Transformation & Customer Experience at Pfizer Ltd by successfully building a strong digital foundation for the company.

A chemical engineering graduate with a management degree in IT & Operations from IIM Mumbai, Roy has been honoured with numerous awards, including the CX Leader Award at the 11th Global Edition of the World CX Summit & Awards in 2024, the Leading CIO of the Year Award at the CII CIO Excellence Awards in 2023, the Economic Times CX Inspiring Leaders Award in 2023 and the Innovator’s Award at the BIG CIO Show and Awards in 2022, which was supported by NITI Aayog.

Amit Tolani, Chief Executive, CEAT Specialty, said, "We are delighted to welcome Debashish to the CEAT family. His extensive experience in digital transformation and innovation aligns perfectly with our vision to enhance customer experiences by driving technological advancement. I am confident that his strategic vision and leadership will significantly contribute to CEAT's growth and strengthen our market position in the industry."

Roy said, "I am excited to join CEAT and embark on this new journey. My focus will be on innovating for a safer, better world by leveraging technology and empowering people. By connecting, collaborating, and delivering, I believe we can inspire and nurture the human spirit, building a strong foundation for sustainable growth and making CEAT a leader in digital innovation."

Nexen Tire, a leading global tyre manufacturer, has restructured its leadership with the promotion of five executives, including appointing John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim as the new CEO (Chief Executive Officer).

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim has been with the company since 1990 and has led sales and marketing operations not just in Korea but also in the Asia-Pacific and European regions. Recipient of the 'Export 900 Million USD Achievement' award from Nexen Tire in 2018 and the Bronze Order of Industrial Service Merit from the South Korean government, he has handled the global sales division since 2016. He was promoted as the Head of the Global OE (Original Equipment) Sales Business Group in 2021, where he oversaw OE supply and lead the expansion of premium OE supply.

Apart from the CEO appointment, the company has also appointed Dae Choong Kim as Global Sales Business Group (BG) Head, Chuljun Kim as Global Production BG Head, Jongmyoung Kim as Head of Central Research Institute and Bonhyong Goo, Head of Management Administration. The restructuring is in line with the company’s plans to further solidify its worldwide competitiveness, and respond quickly to the rapidly changing market environment, as well as signal a generational shift towards the future.

Travis Kang, Global CEO, Nexen Tire, said, “As this leadership restructuring will provide Nexen Tire with an opportunity to take a significant leap forward, we expect our new leaders, who possess seasoned expertise and insights from extensive field experience, to drive the company’s sustainable growth and contribute to profit maximisation.”

TVS Srichakra Limited has signed up cricketer M S Dhoni as the brand ambassador for Brand Eurogrip and the entire range of products in the portfolio.

Dhoni said, “Being associated with a brand like Eurogrip is truly exciting as this is a category that is very close to my heart. My love for motorcycles and riding began long before my cricketing journey, and over the years, I have had the chance to ride a variety of bikes – from timeless classics to top-of-the-line superbikes. Choosing the right tyres is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride, and Eurogrip Tyres’ expertise in this domain stands out. I am looking forward to this exciting journey with Eurogrip.”

P Madhavan, EVP – Marketing & Sales, TVS Srichakra Ltd, said, “We are delighted to welcome M S Dhoni, a personality who truly embodies Eurogrip Tyres’ core values of reliability and performance. MSD perfectly complements our commitment to delivering innovative tyre solutions for the new age riders. This collaboration is a milestone in our brand journey, as we continue to offer world-class products and elevate riding experiences across diverse segments.” 

The Asia Pacific Carbon Black Conference 2024 – Perspectives in Asia Pacific, one of the largest and most acknowledged global carbon black industry events, unfolded in Kolkata, India, marking a historic moment for the city. The 15th edition welcomed a record-breaking 252 delegates and featured compelling discussions on the future of the carbon black market, which is projected to reach USD 30.15 billion by 2029. Over three days, industry leaders explored key trends, sustainability efforts and technological innovations, underscoring the sector’s dynamic evolution and the growing importance of India in shaping its future.

The sprawling banquet of a renowned hotel in the City of Joy was attuned to the murmuring of delegates from across the globe when the speaker on the dais invited the International Advisory Committee Chairman Amit Choudhary to address the crowd. With utter excitement, the chairman ascended the stage and opened the 15th Asia Pacific Carbon Black Conference doors to the curious assembly. Over the next three days, the event featured – workshops, intriguing sessions and panel discussions on the global carbon black market, which is slated to reach USD 30.15 Billion by 2029, according to Mordor Intelligence.

From sessions on the latest trends within the space to the use of recovered carbon black and sustainability issues, the conference was a boiling cauldron of information, coupled with an exhibition spanning different makers and associated suppliers to the industry.

Speaking to Tyre Trends exclusively, Choudhary said, “Key takeaways from the conference were impactful for both participants and delegates, with a record-breaking 252 attendees from around the globe. The exhibition, featuring 36 stalls, marked the largest in the Asia-Pacific region in the event’s 31-year history. The conference kicked off with two workshops on day one, focusing on the technical aspects of carbon black and its applications across the tyre and other industries. About 70 attendees engaged in a robust discussion, addressing numerous technical queries from leading players in the carbon black industry, including Birla Carbon, Tokai Carbon, Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd, Epsilon, PCBL, and so on.”

He added, “For the first time in its history, the conference featured panel discussions on different topics of the carbon black industry covering marketing, raw materials, application, technology and the future of carbon black, which fostered intense engagement from participants. These sessions provided valuable insights and sparked in-depth discussions, impacting all those who attended.”

Many companies attending the conference were not direct carbon black producers but played key roles in the carbon value chain, either as suppliers to the carbon black industry or as technological collaborators or customers. This diverse representation highlighted the industry’s interconnected nature, with attendees gaining exposure to the latest technologies and processes shaping the sector.

“The conference brought together a global audience, fostering collaboration and providing significant opportunities for local suppliers to engage with emerging technologies. Carbon black production in this region, particularly in India, is experiencing rapid growth.

Companies across the country, from Gujarat and Maharashtra in the west to the east and south, are expanding their operations to meet increasing demand. This growth presents ample opportunities for suppliers of essential equipment and consumables to the carbon black industry, such as refractory manufacturers, bag suppliers and packing material providers. Ultimately, the entire supply chain stands to benefit from the increased collaboration and knowledge exchange fostered at the conference,” averred Choudhary.

Quick view

George Haines, Global Product Director and Avijit Sasmal, Chief Sustainability Officer at Himadri Speciality Chemical Limited, highlighted the carbon black industry’s progress in sustainability and circularity. They emphasised advancements such as the use of recycled pyrolysis oil and reclaimed carbon black and achievements like EcoVadis and ISCC+ certifications. Himadri already achieved the milestones and is maintaining Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) across plants. Innovations like LFP Cathode Active Material for EV batteries and renewable energy showcased Himadri’s future readiness. This session set a benchmark for aligning industry practices with global climate goals.

Senior Manager - Technology, K. Arun Kumar, and Manager, Technology and Business Development, Dr. P.M. Sivaram, at CUMI Super Refractories, discussed enhancing reactor life in the carbon black industry through condition monitoring and refractory solutions. They emphasised the need for failure analysis, material characterisation, and data-driven strategies to predict failures, improve productivity, and reduce downtime, ultimately leading to more efficient and sustainable operations in the industry.

The workshop by Himadri Speciality Chemicals Limited Plant Head Kingshuk Bose, on ‘Recent Advancements in Carbon Black Technologies’ provided an overview of carbon black, its applications, and recent technological innovations in its manufacturing processes. He discussed new technologies such as plasma and nanotechnology, which enhance production efficiency and product characteristics. Additionally, AI and machine learning were highlighted to optimise processes, improve quality and predict maintenance needs, ultimately advancing carbon black manufacturing and packaging strategies.

The former Chief Advisor of Research and Development at Apollo Tyres, P K Mohamed, an industry stalwart, addressed the future of the tyre industry, focusing on advancements in carbon black technology in his key note address. He noted that pneumatic tyres, essential for load support, require optimal structures to endure operational pressures. The industry faced megatrends such as mobility, digitisation, electrification, and the shift toward renewable materials. Key customer expectations centre on rolling resistance, traction, durability, and sustainability improvements. Enhancements in carbon black properties, including particle size and surface chemistry, are vital for achieving these goals. The industry’s evolution towards higher sigma levels indicated a commitment to quality and performance, necessitating collaborative efforts in research and development to meet future demands.

Notch Consulting Inc. Founder and President Paul Ita spoke on the outlook for 2024 and highlighted significant developments in the global carbon black and tyre industries. He noted a projected total investment of INR 27.3 billion in new tyre capacity from 2023 to 2028, with Asia, especially China and India, leading in new projects. He also discussed the impacts of EU sanctions on Russian carbon black imports. These sanctions are shifting trade flows, with India emerging as a key supplier to replace Russian volumes. The analysis included production capacity and utilisation trends with a forecast for growth in carbon black production despite current disruptions.

The AGM Strategy at Epsilon Carbon, Sagar Mathur, noted that geopolitical shifts, rapid urbanisation, climate change, sustainability, and technological advancements are shaping the future of the carbon black industry. Key trends included the growing demand for Electric Vehicle (EV) tyres, increased focus on circularity and recycling technologies, and the need for advanced speciality products. He highlighted that urbanisation is expected to strain resources while geopolitical conflicts are reshaping supply chains. The industry must adapt to these changes while addressing environmental concerns, leading to new product development, particularly in sustainable materials.

Vice President of Sales and Marketing (CBD), Kane Hanneke and Vice President of Business Development and Sales (CBD), Surge Klunder, at Himadri Specialty Chemical Ltd, focused on the current demand and supply dynamics of carbon black in North America and the European Union as of October 2024. In their presentations, they highlighted key economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation, and the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), while discussing challenges faced by domestic producers, including import duties, geopolitical tensions, and rising oil costs. Kane also mentioned a notable production increase among leading carbon black producers, particularly in China and India, and addressed the impact of new tariffs on Mexican imports.

Executive Vice-President and Regional Head of Sales and Marketing at Birla Carbon, Shashank Awasthi, discussed the dynamics of the carbon black market in Asia and Europe with a focus on growth plans and regional capacities. He highlighted that China dominates the market with a capacity share of 47 percent and a demand share of 37 percent. He also covered competition in India, where local producers faced challenges from imports, particularly from China, Korea, and Russia. His analysis indicated a projected CAGR of 5 percent for the Southeast Asia carbon black market from 2022 to 2027, driven by rising disposable incomes. It increased automotive production, with Asia accounting for approximately 60 percent of global automobile manufacturing.

The presentation by Zircoa Managing Director Thomas Bohm focused on the role of zirconia refractories in enhancing reactor performance during carbon black production. Zirconia, a unique ceramic material, offers exceptional properties such as high thermal resistance, lower thermal conductivity, and erosion resistance, making it suitable for high-temperature applications in reactors. The advantages of zirconia include increased reactor efficiency, improved product yields, and the ability to withstand aggressive process gases. However, challenges such as degradation from thermal shock and alkali attacks were noted, emphasising the importance of proper alignment and operational practices to maximise the lifespan of zirconia linings.

In his virtual keynote session, Zhu Zilong, deputy director of design at Doright, discussed the emerging supply trends in equipment manufacturing, particularly focusing on the shift from individual equipment supply to comprehensive equipment packages.

The landmark event saw the attendance of dignitaries and industry stalwarts, including the Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal, Dr Manoj Pant, Himadri Speciality Managing Director Anurag Choudhary, Tokai Carbon President Hagime Hagasaka, Group Country Head, Aditya Birla Group Thailand, and Chief Expansion Officer Birla Carbon Asia, Sanjeev Sood, among others.

Key Speakers included Aditya Birla Group’s Chief Sustainability Officer Deeksha Vats, Former President at ALSTOM Power Energy Recovery CP Natarajan, Vidhitech Solutions Founder Vinod Taneja, ABG Trading President John Kennelly, Senior Manager Research and Development of Compound Development at CEAT Limited Dr Pranab Dey, Head - Projects Business at Thermax Limited Naveen Sadhu and Rathi Group Director Ravi Rathi among others.

The event was attended by delegates from leading carbon black producers, such as Thai Tokai Carbon Product Company Limited, Hyundai OCI, Aegean First Company, Zircoa Inc., Phillips Carbon Black Limited, CITGO Corp and others.

Curtain Call

Amit Choudhary commented about the conference, “Conferences like this serve as crucial platforms for advancing technological progress in the industry. They provide insights into global trends, revealing which players are exploring new technologies and how different governments are approaching industry expectations. These events create an opportunity for stakeholders to understand evolving needs as well as the requirements of end customers.”

He added, “For instance, during our recent conference, several customers presented compelling insights, with both in-person and online interactions offering a deeper understanding of the tyre industry’s future. The rise of EVs is a key development demanding a shift in tyre technology and manufacturing processes. Current tyres are general-purpose, but as EV adoption accelerates, specialised tyres will become necessary. In the near future, we will see the emergence of EV-specific tyres alongside innovations in related non-tyre markets.”

He also noted that India, with its significant market share, is poised for substantial growth. Established markets in the US and Europe are facing challenges with plant closures and shifting demands. The ongoing geopolitical landscape, including tensions in China and Russia, is influencing market dynamics. However, India remains in a favourable position for investment and is set to experience impressive growth in the sector.

Looking ahead, the next conference is set to take place in 2026.

Chief analyst and Co-Founder of WhatNext Rubber Media International Jom Jacob has passed away due to a cardiac arrest on 30 November 2024.

The industry veteran had spent over three decades specialised in market dynamics and price outlook of natural rubber.  He was a senior economist with ANRPC (Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries), at Kuala Lumpur, before he co-founded WhatNext Rubber Media International.

Jacob had also worked with the Rubber Board (Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India) for around two decades by monitoring and formulating development plans for rubber industry. The veteran had a short stint with the Centre for Development Studies (Affiliated to the Jawaharlal Nehru University or JNU) as a researcher in sustainable land-use.

He was an expert at Fundamental Analysis of the rubber market and widely regarded for his charming and friendly personality amongst his circles. In the rubber industry Jacob will be widely remembered as a friend a phone call away,