It was in 1993, the first edition of the K.M. Philip Gold Medal was instituted to recognise and honour contribution of individuals that have made a mark in the Indian rubber industry. The biennial award is presented under the aegis of the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA). Since 1993 and till 2019, AIRIA has given this award to 13 distinguished individuals for their contribution towards the growth of the Indian rubber industry.

Philip had played a key role in establishing the Indian Rubber Manufacturer Research Association (IRMRA), helping it grow into a leading research laboratory associated with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Under his vision, IRMRA became a critical institution for tyre testing for both Indian and foreign manufacturers.

The K.M, Philip family feels that the award has served its purpose. Hence as a gracious closure and a finale event, the foundation has decided to honour three individuals/institutions/bodies with the  distribution of the final K.M. Philip Gold Medal in the following three categories –

K.M. Philip Gold Medal Research and Development Award

This award recognises individuals or institutions for their contributions to research and development in the rubber industry, with a particular emphasis on innovations that promote environmental sustainability.

K.M. Philip Gold Medal Entrepreneur/Businessman for the MSME Industry Development Award

The award recognises entrepreneurs who have achieved notable success in building a business from the ground up (greenfield projects) or elevating a first-generation enterprise to a global standard. The recipient should have led their industry to a prominent position in its product segment, with a preference given to those who have reduced their business's carbon footprint.

K.M. Philip Gold Medal for Institution and Rubber Industry Brand Builder Award

The award acknowledges individuals or institutions that have significantly contributed to the growth, recognition, and brand value of the Indian rubber industry and its institutions. The recipient must have initiated and executed initiatives that enhanced the industry’s overall reputation, including infrastructural institutions.

Philip is often referred to as pioneer in the rubber industry. From founding AIRIA to receiving a National Award, his legacy continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.

The past winners of the K.M. Philip Gold Medal include –

1. Late Manu M Patel (1993): Rendering services through development work, introduction of usage of synthetic rubber, technical service and training etc.
2. Late W G Desai (1995): Rendering services through pioneering work in reclaim rubber, technical services and training, standardisation, assistance in growth of SSI etc.
3. Late Shri S V Lathia (1997): Successful research work carried out to manufacture products, previously imported, thus saving in foreign exchange and for outstanding work in social and rural development work.
4. Late R K Jain (1999): pioneering efforts and developing work in promotion of exports, import substitution, technical upgradation and setting high standards in growth of SSI etc.
5. Prof Anil K Bhowmick (2001): pioneering research into the chemistry of polymers and incorporation of these new developments into technologies and outstanding contribution to imparting education to Indian rubber technologists.
6. Dr Raghupati Singhania (2003): Pioneering efforts to usher in radial tyre technology to India, his foresightedness in setting up state-of-art R&D center HASETRI, his commitment to industrial growth through his leadership in numerous group companies etc.
7. Dr R K Matthan (2005): pioneering efforts in technology transfer, establishment and commissioning of TSR factories, his continued association with technical development and usage of new forms of natural rubber, development of ultra safe\catheters, his continued association with IRI, IRMRA, Cochin university etc.
8. Late Anil Sampat (2007): For his pioneering work in conceiving and successfully organising IRE and providing a platform to the rubber industry to expose its latest technology and to facilitate two way technical exchange and trade, his entrepreneurial qualities in rubber, footwear and textile industries etc.
9. Late R K Raman (2011); His pioneering efforts in establishing world class facility MIL Industries for manufacture of rubber lining coupled with using cold bond process for first time in India, developing advanced technology applications of rubber products in Aerospace industries etc.
10. R V Gandhi (2013): pioneering efforts in developing wide range of reclaim rubbers made from natural and synthetic elastomers, establishing GRP as the largest and most respected manufacturer of reclaim rubber in the world and putting India at the forefront of export of reclaim rubber, his initiative in developing global specifications for reclaim rubber under the aegis of ISO TC 45, his contribution to the cause of education, empowerment of women and training in ethical values etc.
11. Late M F Vohra (2015): For pioneering efforts in developing Zenith Rubber into a global scale manufacturer and supplier of quality rubber sheeting and allied rubber products and exporting 80% to developed markets, for his pioneering his leadership efforts at CAPEXIL in removing impediments to exports of rubber products thereby enabling double digit annual growth of rubber products exports, etc.
12. P K Mohamed (2017): For his pioneering efforts and contribution to high technology in core processes in tyre manufacturing, his pivotal role in standardising tyre dimensions, his passionate commitment to IRI and other technical bodies etc.
13. Arvind Poddar (2019): For his pioneering efforts in evolving BKT from a family enterprise into one of the largest technologically sophisticated companies in the Off-Highway Tyre segment, for his commitment to use green technology, for being recipient of several Government of India Awards for R&D etc.

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Kumho Tire USA has appointed Carolina Wagner as its new Vice President of Marketing, a move aimed at reinforcing the company’s brand strength and competitive edge across the passenger, light truck and commercial vehicle segments in United States.

Wagner will take charge of all marketing operations for Kumho Tire USA, including brand strategy, product marketing, digital outreach, demand generation and sales support. Working alongside executive leadership and the sales team, she will focus on aligning marketing efforts with the firm’s ambitious growth objectives in the American market.

With over 25 years of executive experience at global tyre companies such as Continental Tires the Americas and Goodyear, Wagner has led growth and brand initiatives across the tyre, mobility, SaaS and material handling sectors. Her career began in Rio de Janeiro, advancing through leadership roles in Brazil and Latin America before moving to United States. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Universidade Santa Úrsula and an MBA from IBMEC Rio de Janeiro.

Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, "Carolina's arrival marks a pivotal moment for Kumho Tire. Her deep expertise in the tyre industry, combined with her proven ability to build integrated marketing strategies that deliver measurable results, makes her the ideal leader to drive our next chapter. We are confident that she will be a key force in taking Kumho Tire's brand positioning to the next level."

Wagner said, "I am incredibly excited to join Kumho Tire and work alongside the executive leadership team to continue elevating the brand in the US. The company has tremendous growth potential with high-quality new products on the roadmap that deliver on its performance without compromise mantra. I'm excited to execute integrated, data-driven strategies to increase brand awareness and ultimately fuel growth."

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Mahatma Gandhi University’s School of Polymer Science and Technology has announced the opening of admissions for its Executive M.Tech programme in Polymer Engineering and Nanotechnology for the 2026–27 academic year, targeting working professionals and industry-sponsored candidates seeking advanced technical specialisation.

The programme will be conducted at the Convergence Academia Complex, located on the second floor of the university campus at Priyadarshini Hills, P.O. Kottayam, Kerala. The university, which is graded as a Category 1 autonomous institution by the University Grants Commission (UGC), is positioning the course as an industry-aligned offering designed to bridge academic research and industrial application.

Admissions are currently open, with the last date for submitting applications set as 30 April  2026.

Designed For Industry Professionals

The Executive M.Tech programme is tailored specifically for working professionals, reflecting the growing demand for flexible, advanced education pathways within technical industries. Sponsored candidates from organisations, as well as direct applicants with relevant professional experience, are eligible to apply.

Candidates must hold either an M.Sc. or B.Tech degree in relevant science or engineering disciplines. While preference will be given to employed candidates, others may also be considered subject to seat availability.

The programme offers a total of 24 seats, including 20 allocated for Indian candidates and four reserved for international applicants, signalling the university’s intent to attract a diverse cohort.

Interdisciplinary Focus

The curriculum emphasises an interdisciplinary approach, combining Polymer Engineering, Nanotechnology and Materials Science. This structure reflects broader shifts within manufacturing and materials industries, where cross-domain expertise is increasingly critical.

Courses will be delivered by a mix of academic faculty and industry practitioners, ensuring exposure to both theoretical frameworks and real-world applications. The university highlights that this dual approach is aimed at equipping professionals with practical insights alongside advanced technical knowledge.

Programme Highlights

Among the key features of the course are its focus on industry relevance and its alignment with evolving technological demands. The programme is structured to support professionals in enhancing their capabilities without stepping away from their careers.

The university notes that the course is particularly suited to those looking to deepen expertise in polymer science and nanotechnology while remaining engaged in industrial roles.

Application Process

Applications for the programme must be submitted online via the official application form:
https://forms.gle/yfTeeevAVLzmuK8P9

Prospective candidates can access additional information through the School of Polymer Science and Technology’s website at spst.mgu.ac.in.

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TVS Srichakra Limited has assumed contractual rights and obligations from its US subsidiary under an agreement with Bristol Motor Speedway LLC.

The Madurai-based company said in a regulatory filing that it executed an assignment and assumption agreement on April 10, 2026 with Super Grip Corporation and Bristol Motor Speedway. Under the arrangement, TVS Srichakra takes over all rights, duties and obligations previously held by Super Grip Corporation under a suite licence agreement dated February 16, 2024 and a sponsorship agreement dated April 5, 2024.

The company will pay USD 1,033,250 in instalments over the remaining term of the agreements. No consideration is payable to Super Grip Corporation for the transfer.

The original terms of the licence and sponsorship agreements remain unchanged, and the arrangements are set to run until December 31, 2028.

TVS Srichakra said the move was intended to enhance the visibility and reach of its brands in global markets.

Super Grip Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, while Bristol Motor Speedway is an unrelated third party. The assignment between TVS Srichakra and Super Grip Corporation qualifies as a related party transaction and has been conducted on an arm’s length basis.

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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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