Valebridge Media Services (VMS) has announced the first 16 categories of the 2023 edition of the Recircle Awards. The Recircle Awards is a ceremony aimed at recognising the most prominent companies within the tyre recycling and retreading industries. The Recircle Awards 2023 will incorporate a total of 22 awards covering a wide and balanced range of categories from across the tyre industry. 16 of these categories were already announced at the official launch of the 2023 Recircle Awards held on 8 March, 2023 during the TyreXpo Asia show in Singapore.

The 16 categories announced are as follows – 

1. Best Tread Rubber Supplier
2. Best Retreading Equipment Supplier
3. Best Retreading Accessory and Consumables Supplier
4. Best Tyre Recycling Industry Supplier
5. Best Tyre Derived Recycled Product
6. Employee of the Year
7. Best Passenger Retreader
8. Best Truck & Bus Retreader
9. Best OTR Retreader
10. Tyre Pyrolysis Award
11. Tyre Devulcanisation Award
12. Mechanical Tyre Recycling Award
13. Best Company Director
14. Best Tyre Recycling Research Project
15. Best EPR Scheme
16. Lifetime Achievement Award in the Tyre Recycling Sector

David Wilson, Managing Director of Valebridge Media Services, the organising entity, said, “We are delighted to be able to announce the first 16 categories for the 2023 Recircle Awards, which we believe offers a wide scope of opportunities for the industry to recognise the achievements of worthy companies and individuals within the global tyre retreading and recycling industries, in terms of their individual excellence as well as the overall contribution of the industry to the circular economy.”

The winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award and Circular Economy Award were also announced at the event. The Lifetime Achievement Award in the retreading sector was granted to Chen Jet How, the former CEO of the Kit Loong Group. He was presented with the award for his contribution to the development of the tyre retreading industry in Southeast Asia. The winner of the Circular Economy Award was AZUR Network, a network of companies from Germany related to the tyre retreading industry. They were given the award for their contribution to the promotion of the tyre retreading sector. The award was received by AZUR Network co-ordinator, Christina Guth.

Alwin Seow, Show Director for Tyrexpo Asia, provided some highlights on the Recircle Awards and their overall importance to the show. He said, “What we expect from this edition of the Recircle Awards is to congregate all the major players of the tyre retreading and recycling industries, and also to celebrate excellence within that field.”

The nomination process for the 16 categories is already open and will close on 5 May, 2023. 

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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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