OmniSource has appointed Rob Montasser as Vice President of Sales for the US market.

Montasser will be based in Dallas and collaborate with the leadership team to drive US sales and operations, particularly for Omni United Group’s flagship brand, Radar Tires. In his new role, he will focus on expanding market share, optimising sales strategies, managing sales channels and enhancing brand presence.

With over two decades of experience in sales leadership, organisational development and strategic planning within the tyre, automotive and other industries, Montasser has held various senior leadership positions at Falken Tire, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires and Goodyear. During his stint as Vice President at Falken Tire, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber North America, Montasser led the company for Passenger Light Truck (PLT) and Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) tyres to drive unit growth and enhance sales execution across multiple channels.

GS Sareen, President and CEO, Omni United, said, “The US is a key market for us with immense growth potential. With Rob’s extensive experience, I am confident we will expand our presence and continue to grow. I am excited to welcome Rob to the Omni family and look forward to working closely with him to drive our success forward.”

Montasser said, “I am thrilled to join the Omni family and I look forward to working with our great team to drive growth and innovation in the US market. Together, we will build the Radar brand so that it delivers an exceptional value proposition for our dealers, for the independent retailers and, of course, for the end user.”

Iochpe-Maxion SA, a world leader in automotive wheels production and a leading producer of automotive structural components in the Americas, has appointed Pieter Klinkers, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maxion Wheels, as President and CEO of Iochpe-Maxion SA with effect from 16 April 2025.

Klinkers replaces Marcos Oliveira, who will step down at the end of his term in line with the senior leadership succession plan. The Iochpe-Maxion Board of Directors has nominated Oliveira to be a member of the slate for the Board of Directors election at the upcoming regular general shareholders' meeting, which is also set for 16 April 2025.

Over the course of more than 30 years, Klinkers has built a prestigious career in the automotive sector. After a 10-year stint at Michelin, he joined Hayes Lemmerz Inc in 2005, which was later purchased by Iochpe-Maxion. He has been in charge of the company's worldwide wheels division since 2015. Klinkers will be replaced as CEO of Maxion Wheels by Mark Gerardts. Since joining the firm in 2015, Gerardts has held a number of positions with progressively more responsibility, most recently serving as the Business Unit President for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association, the apex body representing automotive tyre manufacturers in the country, has announced its new leadership structure.

The apex tyre body has elected Arun Mammen, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of MRF as the new Chairman of ATMA and Hiroshi Yoshizane, MD, Bridgestone India as the new Vice-Chairman of ATMA.

The appointment comes at a crucial juncture as ATMA celebrates 2025 as its Golden Jubilee year.

Mammen hold a graduate degree from the Madras Christian College and MBA from the Ashland University, US. He became the Managing Director of MRF in 2004 and Vice Chairman and Managing Director in 2017.

He believes that the Indian tyre industry should strive to be a major global manufacturer in the next decade and he will work on policy enablers to make the industry more competitive and technologically superior for meeting the needs of developed countries.

ATMA highlighted that given the global push towards carbon emission, there is a clear need to reduce carbon footprint in manufacturing and supply chain among others. The tyre industry on its part is already investing towards regenerative and recycled raw materials, along with using clean energy and reduction in water usage in manufacturing.

Furthermore, the INROAD Project as an industry initiative is expected to further add 200,000 hectares of new rubber plantation in the next two years.

“Over the next five years, focus needs to be given to upgradation of quality and training of the stakeholders,” added Mammen.

Continental is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its iconic TKC 80 motorcycle tyre with the launch of its ‘On the Trail of a Legend’ campaign. The campaign will focus on the success story of the TKC 80 and will also showcase its unfading popularity among fans.

The TKC 80 motorcycle tyre, which has been providing exceptional grip for dual-sport and long-distance enduros on anything from endless off-road trails to twisting rural roads since 1985, is known for its rough tread and precise tuning. The TKC 80 was well greeted by the several foreign journalists that covered the event from the very beginning of its market introduction in Estoril, Portugal. With a 50 percent on-road and 50 percent off-road concentration, it was specifically designed for the first travel-ready enduros of the era and provided reliable durability in all circumstances.

Continental will also be providing end consumers in specific areas with a limited-edition anniversary package beginning in March 2025. A birthday package with special extras, such as motorcycle accessories and an air compressor to handle the obstacles of their respective areas with the correct air pressure, will be given to customers who purchase a TKC 80 set.

Raphael Michels, Product Manager for Motorcycle Tyres at Continental, said, “Since its introduction, we have continuously developed the specifications of the tyre while maintaining its distinctive and renowned tread design. For a lot of motorcyclists, this tyre is more than just a product – it is a companion on unforgettable journeys. It is thanks to our continuous development that the TKC 80 remains the first choice for those who know no limits. Let us take another step on our journey ’On the Trail of a Legend' and explore the next destination together.”

Kraton Corporation, a leading global sustainable producer of speciality polymers and high-value biobased products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, has appointed Prakash Kolluri as President of Polymer Business.

Having previously held executive roles at both Kraton and Cariflex, a Kraton spin-off under DL Chemical, Kolluri has a lot of polymer industry knowledge. He effectively oversaw Cariflex's worldwide isoprene rubber latex growth as CEO, enhancing the company's market dominance in specialist and medical applications. Kolluri will concentrate on growing the company's footprint in high-growth areas, simplifying processes, fostering innovation and reducing complexity in his new position as President of Kraton's Polymer Business.

Kolluri said, “I am honoured to return to Kraton and take on this new leadership role. Kraton has a rich legacy of innovation in polymer solutions, and I look forward to working with our talented team to accelerate growth, enhance sustainability and deliver value to our customers worldwide.”

Marcello Boldrini, CEO, Kraton, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Prakash back to Kraton. His deep industry expertise, strategic vision and track record of successful global expansion make him the perfect leader to drive the next phase of growth for our Polymer Business.”