Here is chit chat with Steffen Braune, Head of Products at TROESTER

Braune, you have been there for a quite long period in the extrusion business already. How has been the journey?

I started my career in the tyre industry more than 10 years ago. I began as a designer but changed very quickly to project engineer in the extrusion business. I was mainly responsible for Indian customers and due to the long period of time, a close relationship was build.

Where do you see your biggest challenge?

With the expansion in 2019, we increased our portfolio and have a huge variety of extrusion equipment for tyre and technical gum production. We are able to serve our customers with the best equipment for their requirements. Nevertheless, we are in the phase to standardise our products in order to have the best and first choice for our customers.

Do you see any trends in regard to your Indian customers?

We see the Indian rubber industry growing not only for their internal market but also in terms of export products to the EU or US (OE and replacement). As those tyres have to be labelled, this is bringing new requirements in terms of product quality and process stability. We can bring our bright experience and solutions as a benefit to our Indian customers, so that their operation is prepared for the correct supply. 

How about new developments to support?

We are optimising our extrusion portfolio every day. The components to be produced are getting thinner and different compounds are used. This has to be handled with care in the whole line supplied. The mechanical parts of the machine have to be perfect. 

Regarding the electrical and software components, we are putting more effort for ‘high sophisticated intelligence’ in our lines. The ‘TROESTER Analysing and Monitoring System (TAM-System)’ is a result of our research efforts in the past years. The system records different information of the extrusion equipment and helps our customers to get more analytics and AI software modules. We see this as the right answer and tool for the need of our customers who have more and more difficulties while finding operators with the skills required. 

Are you doing the same in the equipment supplied for the extrusion of technical gum parts?

Sure, let`s take as an example the extrusion of tubes. In the past years, TROESTER has developed the different heads further. We now have all the heads equipped with a measurement tool and a close loop control in order to have a constant centred wall thickness accuracy below 1/100 mm. By doing so, we have enabled our customers to have a high quality process under control with the reduction of usage of high sophisticated and very expansive compound.

Can you retrofit such systems?

Yes, all such solutions are able to be retrofitted.

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Autopromotec has officially confirmed a new management structure, appointing Dr Enrica Lazzarini as Chief Executive Officer and Dr Guido Gambassi as Chief Strategy Officer. The decision, confirmed by the Board of Directors, reflects a strategy focused on leadership continuity by promoting experienced and respected internal figures already well established in the automotive equipment and aftermarket sector. The new leadership roles take effect from May 2026.

Under the new organizational chart, Dr Lazzarini was named Secretary General of AICA, the Italian Association of Automotive Equipment Manufacturers, on 5 March 2026. AICA jointly owns the Autopromotec trade fair with AIRP, the Italian Association of Tyre Retreaders. The next edition of the biennial exhibition is scheduled to take place from 26 to 29 May 2027, at the BolognaFiere exhibition centre.

Dr Gambassi now adds the CSO role to his existing responsibilities, which include serving as CEO of EditProm, the publisher of Pneurama magazine, as well as Secretary General of both AIRP and Federpneus, the National Association of Specialist Tyre Retailers. Federpneus operates its training workshop at the Casa Autopromotec headquarters.

The outgoing CEO and former AICA Secretary General, Renzo Servadei, who stepped down for personal reasons, has fully endorsed the new appointments. He has pledged his support for the upcoming 2027 edition to ensure strategic and organisational continuity across all entities responsible for the fair.

Dr Lazzarini said, “I welcome this new challenge with great enthusiasm and am honoured by the trust placed in me. Coordinating the next edition of Autopromotec will undoubtedly be stimulating, and I am certain that with the support of this team, which has been well-established for years, we will organise an event that lives up to the expectations of our exhibitors and visitors. The automotive sector is today increasingly characterised by structural and extremely dynamic innovations, which require the ability to react and analyse. Changes are happening so rapidly that it is now essential and fundamental to see and experience all the innovations first-hand, an opportunity that arises exclusively at events such as those made possible by Autopromotec.”

Dr Gambassi said, “What makes Autopromotec the most specialised trade fair in the sector is its ability to integrate innovations and market trends, thanks to its unique nature. Having a membership base and hosting so many organisations embedded within the fabric of the sector within its premises ensures that Autopromotec continues to be an international benchmark.”

Servadei said, “It is with great emotion and deep gratitude that I step down from both roles I have held to date, confident that the new management team at Autopromotec will carry forward the traditions that make our event unique whilst incorporating all the innovations the future holds. I am delighted that internal staff have been promoted, bringing with them their wealth of connections and relationships, which are our greatest asset: the ability to identify, understand and develop the needs of our exhibitors.”

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has appointed Travis Parman as its new Chief Communications Officer. Parman will report directly to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart as part of the executive leadership team.

In his new role, Parman is tasked with leading all global communications functions, which encompass media relations, associate communications and corporate reputation management. A key priority will be articulating Goodyear’s ongoing transformation journey and supporting the broader business strategy as the company pursues its vision of becoming number one in tyres and service.

Parman brings extensive experience from senior communications roles at major organisations, including Nissan Motor Corporation, General Motors, Renault Group, Ally Bank and most recently PMI U.S. His background includes guiding companies through complex changes and helping leadership teams connect strategic objectives with operational performance.

Stewart said, "Travis brings deep experience leading communications for complex, global organisations, which will help us engage both internal and external audiences as we share our story – building on the momentum of Goodyear Forward with a continued focus on operational excellence, delivering products that meet customer needs and driving sustainable growth. The communications function is critical to aligning our vision, core values and shared global objectives while building and protecting Goodyear's reputation and market positioning."

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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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