Charlie Rule, formerly vice president of operations, Latin America, has been named president, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Latin America (BATO LA), effective August 1. Rule succeeds Joseph Saoud, who successfully spearheaded two years of growth for the company’s Latin America business.

Rule will be responsible for all Latin America tyre businesses with full P&L responsibility, including dotted line responsibility for manufacturing, and will continue to lead Category Strategy, Product Planning, Marketing Branding and Marketing Communications in the region.

“Charlie has played a significant role in the transformation of our Latin America business, shaping our go-to market approach, driving efficiencies and increasing our market share,” said Gabriel Asbun, group president, Americas Tire Business, Bridgestone Americas. “Charlie’s broad international experience, coupled with his extensive understanding of our region and of our business, make him the right leader to take BATO LA to the next phase of development,” added Asbun.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kumho Tire, one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, has signed an agreement to join hands with professional rugby union club Leicester Tigers as Official Partner.

As per the partnership agreement, the Kumho branding will be featured on the men’s matchday shirt for the next five seasons. Apart from this, a host of other collaborations – including pitchside branding, stadium activations and joint promotional campaigns – are also on the cards.

Andrea Pinchen, Chief Executive Officer, Leicester Tigers, said, “This is an exciting deal, bringing in a global brand of Kumho’s standing to our club and beginning what we know will be a wonderful relationship. We are incredibly protective of our name and brand, so only partner with the very best of which Kumho represents. On behalf of the club, I want to thank Kumho for its commitment to our club and look forward to working together.”

Richard Lyons, Managing Director, Kumho Tyre UK, said, “Kumho Tire is delighted to partner with Leicester Tigers and to engage with their loyal fanbase in the UK and around the world.  We are incredibly proud to be associated with the club’s rich heritage and look forward to adding value to our customers’ experience of the Kumho brand whilst also supporting the club’s wider community. Our two brands share many values, especially that of teamwork, and we believe there will be excellent opportunities for development and growth over the coming seasons.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Rubber Board of India has announced a financial assistance scheme for SC Community rubber growers to support the purchase of rubber rollers for sheet processing in 2025. Eligible applicants can receive a subsidy of INR 40,000 or 80percent of the machine's cost, whichever amount is lower.

Interested growers must submit their applications online via the 'ServicePlus' portal on the Rubber Board's website by 31 October 2025. All required documents should be uploaded with the application. For further details, individuals can contact Rubber Board Regional Offices, Field Stations or the Board's Call Centre.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sailun Group has achieved a significant sustainability milestone, earning an ‘A’ rating from Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) in its latest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) evaluation. This prestigious upgrade from a ‘BB’ rating makes Sailun the first tyre manufacturer in China to receive this high grade from the globally recognised index provider.

The MSCI ESG assessment is a comprehensive international framework that analyses corporate performance across environmental impact, social responsibility and governance standards. It is a critical tool used by institutional investors worldwide to guide decision-making.

This upgraded rating signifies strong international acknowledgment of Sailun's dedicated efforts in key areas, including product quality and safety, robust corporate governance, progressive employee management and its environmental initiatives. This achievement not only underscores Sailun Group's commitment to sustainable operations but also solidifies its position as a global leader with influential ESG practices.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tirupati Tyres Ltd reported a surge in annual profit for the year ended March 2025 and said it plans to diversify into new businesses, including gold mining, real estate and agriculture, as part of its expansion strategy.

The Mumbai-based company said profit after tax jumped to INR 9.96 million in fiscal 2025 from INR 884,000 a year earlier, on total income of INR 118.1 million compared with 4.1 million rupees.

“The company has diversified its scope of operations and altered its main objects to include new lines of business, inter alia, gold mining, real estate, and agriculture,” the board said in its annual report. It added that steps were being initiated to change the company’s name to reflect its broadened focus.

“In line with this strategic shift and to ensure that the corporate identity of the company is aligned with its broadened business focus and long term vision, the company now intends to change its name to more appropriately reflect its revised business activities and future direction. Necessary steps in this regard are being initiated in compliance with applicable laws and regulations,” said the company.

The board also sought shareholder approval to raise the ceiling for loans, guarantees and investments in securities to as much as INR 5 billion, and to allow foreign portfolio investors to own up to 49 percent of its equity capital.

Tirupati Tyres said the move was aimed at strengthening its capital structure and funding long-term strategic growth. A rights issue was proposed earlier in the year but was later withdrawn due to a lack of subscription.

The company has not declared a dividend for the year, citing the need to conserve cash to support expansion.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!