Zhou Lingkun was appointed president and CEO of Linglong Tire on March 16. He has taken over the operational management of the tire manufacturer to optimize its corporate governance structure. His predecessor, Wang Feng, whose family controls the company’s shares, remains chairman of the company’s board of directors.

Before joining Linglong Tire, Lingkun worked for international consulting and IT companies such as Arthur Andersen, IBM and Hewlett-Packard. Most recently, he was president of the Enterprise Technology and Performance Business Group and a member of the board of Deloitte China.

In related news, Dr Mika Lahtinen appointed associate vice president, raw materials and compounding at Omni United

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Omni United has appointed Dr Mika Lahtinen as associate vice president of raw materials and compounding, to strengthen the company’s technical capabilities and innovation roadmap for its Radar Tyres brand.

Dr Lahtinen has more than 20 years of experience in tire material innovation, with deep expertise in developing advanced rubber compounds and raw material technologies. In his new role, he will lead Omni United’s raw materials strategy and compound development, enabling a more scientific and integrated approach to materials development, research and rubber compounding across the Radar Tyres portfolio. The company said his expertise will play a key role in advancing compound technology to enhance tire performance, durability and safety.

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Dario Marrafuschi took over as head of Pirelli’s motorsport business unit on March 1, succeeding Mario Isola, who will support the transition until July 1 before leaving the company.

Marrafuschi, who joined Pirelli in 2008, has extensive Formula 1 R&D experience and recently led the development of the company’s road products. Like his predecessor, he will report to Giovanni Tronchetti Provera, executive vice president of sustainability, new mobility and motorsport.

In related news, BKT appoints Henrik de Koning as head of OEM Europe and key account BKT Europe

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BKT has appointed Henrik de Koning as head of OEM Europe and key account at BKT Europe. In his new role, de Koning will lead BKT’s growth in the original equipment channel, consolidating the multinational’s relationships in the off-highway sector and serving as a strong point of contact for major European customers.

With more than 25 years of experience in the off-highway tire industry, including senior roles at leading companies, de Koning has joined BKT to support the group’s expansion in the European OE sector.

Bringing extensive expertise in agricultural and off-the-road (OTR) tires, he will contribute to the company’s ongoing market development efforts and help deliver solutions aligned with evolving customer needs.

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced that David Cichocki will join Goodyear as managing director, Americas, and chief sales officer, Americas consumer, with effect from January 19, reporting to Mark Stewart, chief executive officer and president.

In this role, Cichocki will lead Goodyear’s Americas consumer business, with a mandate to strengthen sales execution, accelerate growth and advance Goodyear’s global objectives. With the additional responsibility of managing director, Americas, Cichocki will also oversee key elements of regional governance, working in partnership with fellow senior leaders to ensure strong alignment with global strategy while driving operational excellence and financial performance across the Americas.

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Off-highway tire specialist BKT has appointed Craig Borman as head of OTR at American subsidiary Balkrishna Industries. With nearly two decades of experience in sales and operations departments in the off-road equipment, tire and rubber track industries, as well as commercial truck tires, Borman will be tasked with leading BKT USA’s OTR team and increasing the company’s presence in the segment while raising the profile of BKT products.

“I’m extremely excited to join the BKT family and to build off the successes that this team has already achieved,” said Borman. “I look forward to engaging with our partners, determining how we can accelerate our mutual growth, and working toward achieving BKT’s vision of being a recognized leader in the OTR segment.”

In related news, BKT Europe revises its organizational structure

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The supervisory board of Continental has appointed Christian Kötz as new chief executive officer and chairman of the executive board effective January 1, 2026. Nikolai Setzer will step down from the executive board by mutual agreement on December 31, 2025, after more than 16 years as a board member and five years as CEO.

Following the spin-off of Aumovio and the signing of the agreement to sell Continental’s Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) business area, preparations for the sale of ContiTech, which is scheduled to take place in 2026, have also been largely completed. The market outreach phase has been concluded, and the structured sales process will begin in January 2026.

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BKT Europe has announced a revision of the organizational structure of its global OEM sales division.

Under the updated model, the various regions will report directly to the managing director of BKT Europe, Lucia Salmaso, to simplify decision-making flows and streamline commercial governance.

In this context, the position of president – global OEM sales, held by Ludovic Revel, has been eliminated. The collaboration between BKT Europe and Revel will conclude on November 24, 2025.

In related news, Goodyear completes divestiture of chemical business

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Nexen Tire has announced personnel appointments aimed at reinforcing its European operations and enhancing its strategic market positioning.

Stephen Park has been appointed managing director of Nexen Tire UK & Northern Europe. With a strong background in sales and market development, Park will focus on expanding business opportunities and strengthening relationships with customers in the UK, Ireland and Nordic markets.

The company has also established a branch office in Bucharest, Romania, to better serve the growing Eastern European market. Tim Inhoon Jung will head the Bucharest office as managing director of Nexen Tire Romania, leveraging his expertise to build strong regional partnerships and accelerate business growth in Romania and neighboring markets.

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Hankook Tyre UK has welcomed two new members to its Truck and Bus team, each with over 30 years of industry experience. Jason Bloor has been appointed national account manager, overseeing national fleets activities; and Peter Hatton has been appointed regional sales manager for the combined Midlands and Northwest region.

Bloor, who has 34 years in the tire industry, said, “I joined the tire industry straight out of school in 1991 starting as a fitter where I discovered a passion for fleet management. Over the last 20 years, I have managed mileage contracts and key accounts, taking on responsibility in both sales and operations.

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