As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global trade routes and supply chains, tyre manufacturers are being forced to rethink not only where they sell, but how they grow. For KAMA Tyres – Russia’s largest and most diversified tyre manufacturer – this reassessment has become a defining element of its international strategy.

Rather than pulling back amid sanctions and market disruption, the company is steadily opening new doors, with the Middle East emerging as its next strategic frontier.

In an exclusive interaction with Tyre Trends, Shaydullin Ildar, Deputy Director – Marketing, KAMA Tyres, spoke about how the company is looking beyond its domestic market and recalibrating its global ambitions.

“We have rich experience of cooperation with machine producers across the world. This cooperation allows us to produce tyres exactly for certain machines – tyres that are suitable for specific clients,” Ildar said.

That customer-focused manufacturing capability, coupled with a broad and diversified product portfolio, is now underpinning KAMA Tyres’ cautious yet determined push into new international markets.

FROM 50 MARKETS TO 20: A STRATEGIC RESET

Until recently, KAMA Tyres had an expansive global footprint. “Earlier, we exported our tyres to more than 50 countries,” Ildar noted. Today, that number has come down significantly – not due to waning ambition, but because of shifting geopolitical realities.

“Now, because of the situation in the global market, we are exporting our tyres to around 20 countries,” he explained.

Despite the contraction, the company has retained a presence across a geographically diverse mix of regions. “For example, Egypt, Brazil, Turkey, Mongolia, Vietnam. Russia has good relations with Vietnam, so this is one of our key markets,” Ildar said.

This pragmatic reassessment mirrors a broader trend across Russian manufacturing – prioritising markets where political alignment, trade frameworks and logistics remain workable.

“At the same time, we are trying to open new markets. Right now, we are opening for ourselves the Gulf countries,” he added.

This shift also explains KAMA Tyres’ growing presence at regional trade exhibitions. “That is why we are here at this exhibition,” Ildar said, referring to Automechanika Dubai 2025. “This is the first time we are participating here.”

For KAMA Tyres, the Middle East represents a significant opportunity – but one that requires patience. “Yes, for us it is a really big opportunity. We are trying to open it step by step,” he said.

MIDDLE EAST ENTRY: OPPORTUNITY WITH A COMPLIANCE HURDLE

While the Middle East offers scale and strategic relevance, entry into the region is far from straightforward. Regulatory compliance remains the biggest challenge.

“We haven’t started selling our tyres here yet. At the moment, we are preparing,” Ildar clarified.

That preparation, he explained, is extensive. “We are doing all the necessary procedures to start selling our tyres. This includes connecting with potential clients and preparing documents and certification for this market.”

Certification is, by far, the most demanding hurdle. “The main opportunity for us is opening a new market, new clients and new sales. The big challenge is that this market needs different certification,” he said.

Still, the company remains resolute. “We are doing it and we will do it anyway,” Ildar said firmly.

KAMA has already begun building visibility in the region through trade events. “In May, we participated in an exhibition in Riyadh – I think it was Automechanika Riyadh,” he recalled.

The timeline for commercial entry is now clearly defined. “In 2026, we are planning to start selling our tyres here,” he confirmed, with the first quarter of calendar year 2026 emerging as the tentative target.

ONE COMPLEX, EVERY TYRE SEGMENT

One of KAMA Tyres’ key competitive strengths lies in the breadth of its manufacturing capability. Unlike many tyre manufacturers that specialise in one or two segments, KAMA operates as a fully integrated tyre complex.

“We are the only tyre complex in Russia that produces all groups of tyres,” Ildar explained.

The portfolio spans passenger car tyres (PCR), light truck tyres, truck and bus radials (TBR) and off-the-road (OTR) tyres. “We are ready to offer different kinds of tyres. And potential customers are asking us for different groups,” he said.

This versatility gives KAMA considerable flexibility as it enters new markets such as the Gulf, where demand spans multiple vehicle categories. “We can offer both TBR tyres and PCR tyres,” Ildar noted, adding that OTR tyres are also part of the company’s global offering.

Rather than rushing to push specific products, the approach is deliberately measured. “We want to understand the market first. And then offer what is needed,” he said.

This mindset reflects KAMA’s longstanding experience of working closely with OEMs and equipment manufacturers. “Our cooperation with machine producers allows us to make tyres exactly suitable for the machines,” Ildar reiterated.

SANCTIONS, SUPPLY CHAINS AND PREPAREDNESS

Sanctions have been a defining force shaping Russian industry over the past decade. For KAMA Tyres, however, preparedness has significantly softened the impact.

“About sanctions – we are prepared for this situation from 2014,” Ildar said.

This long-term approach has been especially critical in securing raw material supplies, an area where many global tyre manufacturers continue to face volatility.

“At the moment, we don’t have problems with supplying raw materials. We have producers of raw materials in the Russian market and in the Asian market too,” he explained.

By diversifying its sourcing base early, KAMA has ensured continuity even during periods of global disruption. “We are searching for different ways to be ready for any problems in the future,” he said.

As a result, the company has largely avoided the supply crunch faced by several global peers. “So now we have suppliers of raw materials and we don’t have a problem with it,” Ildar added.

In an industry increasingly shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, this resilience has become a competitive advantage.

INDIA ON THE HORIZON, BUT NO SHORTCUTS

Given the historically strong ties between India and Russia, the Indian market naturally features in discussions around KAMA Tyres’ longer-term expansion plans. However, Ildar is careful to manage expectations.

“We are moving step by step, starting with the Persian Gulf. If everything goes well, we will look at the Indian market,” he said.

The key constraint, he explained, is production capacity. “It depends on one thing – we have to sell Russian products. If we have free resources, we are ready to look at the Indian market.”

He is also realistic about the competitive intensity in India. “We understand that there are a lot of good products and strong competition in the Indian market,” Ildar noted.

Certification remains another important consideration. “At the moment, we do not export tyres to India because the Indian market needs BIS certification,” he confirmed.

Still, the door remains open. “If in the future we find potential clients who are interested in our products after studying the market, we will be glad to apply for this certification. We will be glad to open the Indian market too.”

For now, execution takes precedence over expansion promises. “Our strategy is to work step by step,” Ildar reiterated.

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Dunlop Aircraft Tyres, a leading independent global designer and manufacturer of high-performance tyres for commercial, military and freighter aircraft, has appointed Michael ‘Mick’ Wallwork as its new Chief Executive Officer. The company operates as a portfolio holding of Liberty Hall Capital Partners.

A seasoned industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience in value creation for engineered industrial products, Wallwork joins Dunlop from Renold PLC, where he served as President of Renold Chain. In that role, he led roughly 1,250 employees across seven factories and eight service centres in Europe, China and India. His prior senior leadership positions included tenures at Manuli Hydraulics, Brammer and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, managing multinational operations across Europe, the Americas, Middle East and Asia.

Wallwork holds a Master of Science in Engineering Business Management from Warwick University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering and Design from Loughborough University. His extensive background in both original equipment and aftermarket industrial services positions him to lead Dunlop’s strategic growth across its global markets.

Michael Warren, Partner at Liberty Hall, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mick to Dunlop and look forward to partnering with him as he leads the company through its next phase of growth. Mick brings an extensive track record of developing high-performing teams and driving commercial and operational excellence to successfully build and scale global organisations. His leadership will be critical as Dunlop executes on its strategic value-creation plan, advances its next phase of growth initiatives and continues to deliver the highest-quality products to customers worldwide."

Wallwork said, "I am excited to join Dunlop to build upon its century-long legacy of innovation and excellence as the company enters its next phase of growth. Dunlop's well-established market standing and reputation for quality put us in a strong position to deliver on our strategy. I look forward to partnering with the team to drive operational excellence, invest in our dedicated people and deliver long-term value for our customers and stakeholders worldwide."

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Timo Koponen has started in his new role as Nokian Tyres’ Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Management team, reporting to President and CEO Paolo Pompei. His appointment was announced on 14 January 2026.

Koponen holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Business Administration. He joined the company from Normet, a global mining and tunnelling technology firm, where he served as CFO and Leadership Team member. Prior to that, he held senior finance and business leadership roles at Lamor Corporation, Wärtsilä, Hackman, and Konecranes. He succeeds interim CFO Jari Huuhtanen, who continues at Nokian Tyres as Vice President of Group Business Control.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, "I would like to welcome Timo Koponen to Nokian Tyres. His extensive experience will be an important asset in the next stages of our development. I would also like to thank Jari Huuhtanen for his excellent work. It is great to continue the cooperation with him.”

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, has announced the appointment of Bill Schafer as Chief Revenue Officer for TBC Wholesale. This leadership change follows the planned retirement of Rodger Smith, who will remain with the organisation until December 2026 to support a seamless handover.

Since joining TBC in March 2024, Schafer has concentrated on expanding the company’s wholesale operations. He brings three decades of experience from Michelin, where he directed business to business sales, distribution and logistics across North America while managing a team of over 600 people. His background positions him well to drive revenue growth in his new role.

Smith, a 45-year veteran sales executive with diverse industry expertise, has been instrumental at TBC since his arrival in 2020. He led strategic efforts such as strengthening the national sales organisation and launching Supply Chain as a Service. His continued presence through late 2026 ensures that his knowledge and initiatives will carry forward under Schafer’s leadership.

Don Byrd, President and Chief Executive Officer, TBC Corporation, said, “Bill and Rodger previously partnered to lead TBC’s wholesale strategy and reinforce TBC’s mission of being the distributor of choice in the markets we serve. Our focus is clear: TBC will continue to drive value-creating solutions for our customers in the mobility and automotive industry through exceptional service, a diverse product portfolio and innovative solutions.”

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Dow Inc. said its chief executive Jim Fitterling will become executive chair of the board from 1 July , 2026, with chief operating officer Karen S Carter appointed as chief executive.

Carter will also join the board on the same date, while Richard Davis will continue as independent lead director.

The company said the changes follow a multi-year succession planning process and are intended to ensure continuity as it advances its strategy as a materials science group.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Jim for his exceptional leadership and continued contributions to Dow,” Davis said. “Jim has led the company through a period of significant transformation while strengthening Dow's strategy, culture and long-term positioning. We are equally pleased to congratulate Karen on her appointment as CEO. She is a disciplined, highly respected leader with a deep understanding of Dow's businesses and customers. This appointment reflects our confidence in her ability to lead Dow forward into its next chapter of growth and value creation for customers, employees and shareholders.”

Fitterling, who has been chief executive since 2018 and chair since 2020, oversaw the company’s separation from DowDuPont and led its repositioning towards higher-growth, consumer-led markets. He also guided the group through broader macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, while advancing its sustainability ambitions and corporate culture.

“Serving as CEO of Dow has been the privilege of a lifetime,” Fitterling said. “Together with our employees and leadership team, we have transformed Dow into a stronger, more focused company with the right strategy, capabilities and culture for the future. I look forward to continuing to support Dow as Executive Chair and working closely with Karen to help ensure continuity and strong execution.”

As executive chair, Fitterling will continue to lead the board, focusing on long-term strategy, governance and external relationships.

Carter, who has spent more than three decades at Dow, currently oversees business and operational performance across the company as chief operating officer. She previously led the packaging and specialty plastics division, the group’s largest operating segment, where she focused on capacity expansion, asset upgrades and operational reliability, alongside efforts linked to circular economy initiatives.

“I am deeply honored to assume the role of CEO and lead Dow into our next chapter,” Carter said. “Dow has extraordinary people, world-class assets and leading positions in the markets we serve. Our focus remains unwavering: delivering reliable and innovative solutions for our customers, and long-term value for our employees and our shareholders, while accelerating our transformation to set a new competitive standard for best-in-class performance. I look forward to continuing my partnership with Jim in his new role as Executive Chair, and to working with the Board and all of Team Dow to advance our strategy and deliver on our priorities.”

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