Wee Kok Wah, aged 78, Founder & Senior Advisor of Stamford Tyres Group passed away on 21 October 2024.

He was instrumental in propelling Stamford Tyres Group to achieve growth and overseas expansion, as its Managing Director and President since the 1970s. Wah went on to steer the company to a public listing in 1991, and steadily expanded its business into a global international player in the distribution and retailing of tyres and wheels, and the manufacturing of wheels.

The Stamford Group’s veteran was highly-regarded in the tyre industry and the business world for his passion and in-depth knowledge of the tyre business gained him international recognition.

Wah stepped down from the Board of Stamford Tyres Corporation on 1 November 2021 as its Managing Director but stayed on as the Founder and Senior Advisor, providing invaluable guidance and counsel to the Board as well as to the senior management team.

On behalf of all staff of the Group, the Board expresses its deepest sorrow over the death of Wah and conveys its condolences to his family. The Board also expresses its heartfelt gratitude for Wah’s immense contributions to the Stamford Tyres Group and his dedicated service and unwavering commitment which has made a significant difference to the Group on the charting of its strategic directions and business.

Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT Tires) has appointed Anette Sklarz Justice as Head of Marketing at BKT USA.

Sklarz Justice, who will head BKT USA's Marketing and Communication Unit, will bring more than five years of marketing experience, mostly from the HVAC manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on an extended brand expansion plan. By creating customised communication strategies, establishing industry ties and increasing exposure through targeted marketing campaigns, her hiring is anticipated to boost BKT's market stance.

Sklarz Justice, a principal member of BKT USA's leadership team, will be in charge of press and media relations, organise the company's attendance at trade exhibitions and choose the best means of communication to showcase the technological innovations and dependability of BKT products. Sklarz Justice, who will work under Lucia Salmaso, Marketing Director of BKT Group, will play a crucial role in expanding BKT's target market and making sure that its goods are seen by important clients, business leaders and stakeholders via initiatives and top-notch content.

“I am thrilled to join the great BKT team, making my contribution to the growth of an ambitious company that looks toward the future without ever losing sight of traditional values. In my new role, I am happy to drive the company’s growth and success in the United States at such a dynamic time. My primary goal will be to establish stronger and longer-lasting relationships with journalists, customers, and local partners, as well as to support the team in exploring new opportunities for growth,” said Sklarz Justice.

Prometeon Tyre Group, a leading company in the development, production and marketing of tyres for the commercial, agricultural and OTR sectors, has appointed Steve Tift as its new MD for the UK and Eire.

Tift brings nine years of Prometeon expertise to the position, where he has been instrumental in building strong client connections and effective sales teams. Tift joined in 2016 as a Business Development Manager, and because of his commercial prowess, he was swiftly elevated to UK Sales Manager and, in January 2023, Sales Director. Tift has a clear and practical strategy for 2025 and is well aware of the cost difficulties that road transport operators face.

Tift said, “I am incredibly proud to be working for Prometeon, I love this company. I’ve been here for almost nine years, and developing and rebuilding successful sales teams has been my proudest achievement, along with the growth we’ve achieved in Ireland which has been unprecedented with our strategic partnerships. The year ahead will undoubtedly present challenges as we work to grow the Prometeon brand in a market facing significant cost and operational pressures. However, I am confident that opportunities exist across all segments. By offering long-term, sustainable solutions, we can provide our customers with the peace of mind they need – delivering reliability, performance and cost-effectiveness to support their operations.”

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.