Jake Rønsholt Exits Bridgestone Following A 12-Year Tenure

Jake Rønsholt Exits Bridgestone Following A 12-Year Tenure

Jake Rønsholt has left Bridgestone after 12 years of service, during which he held several important positions and helped bring about some of the company's biggest changes in the EMEA area.

Rønsholt became Vice President of Strategy & Transformation for EMEA in 2020 after rising through the ranks from his position as General Manager of Corporate & Brand Communication Europe when he joined the company in 2012. Rønsholt was generally regarded with leading several important strategic initiatives during his tenure at Bridgestone, most notably the Consumer Tyre business turnaround in 2015. He contributed to the company's record-breaking financial success in 2021 and 2022 by assisting in its response to market disruption following Covid-19 and other difficulties.

Rønsholt's impact at Bridgestone was particularly noticeable in the way the business modified its operations and strategy in response to a shifting market environment. In order to develop forward-looking market models that assisted in guiding business choices during uncertain times, he played a significant role in redefining the company's vision and incorporating technology like artificial intelligence and machine learning. Rønsholt placed a strong focus on teamwork, purpose and long-term effects throughout his tenure as leader. Rønsholt has a Master's degree in Science of Management from the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management and worked in marketing and business development at Unilever Europe before joining Bridgestone.

Rønsholt said, “I am immensely proud of what we achieved together, from record-breaking financial results to reshaping the company’s vision for the future. I leave with great memories, invaluable lessons, and strong relationships that I will always cherish. Bridgestone will forever remain in my heart. Business is nothing without people!”

MAXAM Tire Elevates Industry Veteran Ed Petros To Lead Forestry And Port Segments

MAXAM Tire Elevates Industry Veteran Ed Petros To Lead Forestry And Port Segments

MAXAM Tire North America has promoted Ed Petros to Forestry & Port Segment Manager, a move that bolsters the company’s leadership in two critical speciality tyre divisions. The promotion underscores MAXAM’s focus on deepening its expertise in these sectors.

With over four decades in the commercial tyre industry, Petros brings a background rooted in a family tyre business and a degree from the University of Pittsburgh. His career includes senior roles at a major OTR tyre dealer, a leading retreading organisation and Bridgestone/GCR, covering Earthmoving, Mining, Forestry and Port applications. Over seven years at MAXAM, he has helped drive customer support, growth and market strength.

Jimmy McDonnell, Senior Vice President, MAXAM Tire North America, said, “Ed’s promotion is a reflection of the tremendous impact he has made throughout his time at MAXAM. His decades of industry knowledge, unwavering commitment to our customers and dedication to continuous improvement have helped shape our success. Ed is well-positioned to lead the continued growth and development of our Forestry and Port segments.”

Dr M N Aji Promoted to General Manager – Process Technology at HF Group

Dr M N Aji Promoted to General Manager – Process Technology at HF Group

HF Group has promoted Dr M N Aji to the position of General Manager – Process Technology, elevating him from his previous role as Senior Manager – Process Technology. The appointment reflects his extensive contribution to process technology and mixing solutions across Asian markets and global operations.

Dr Aji has been associated with HF Group since 2013, leading process technology initiatives and supporting tyre manufacturers worldwide with advanced mixing solutions and technical troubleshooting. Over the course of nearly three decades in the rubber and tyre industry, he has built expertise spanning tangential, intermeshing, tandem, kneader and open mill mixing technologies.

Before joining HF Group, Dr Aji held roles at Satya Sai Polymers, Mold Teck Plastics and MRF Tyres, where he gained experience across scooter, motorcycle, passenger vehicle, truck radial, off-the-road and aircraft tyre segments.

A recognised speaker and academic contributor in the field of rubber processing and mixing technology, Dr Aji holds a PhD in Polymer and Rubber Processing and Characterisation Techniques from the UK, along with MTech, BTech and Diploma qualifications in Polymer Technology. He has conducted workshops and delivered lectures for universities, research institutions and tyre manufacturers in India and overseas.

Epsilon Carbon Appoints Munish Kumar Rathi As President And Business Head For Carbon Black

Epsilon Carbon Appoints Munish Kumar Rathi As President And Business Head For Carbon Black

Epsilon Carbon Pvt. Ltd. has announced the appointment of Munish Kumar Rathi as its new President and Business Head for Carbon Black.

With more than 25 years of extensive global leadership experience, Rathi brings a strong background in profit and loss management, multi-site manufacturing leadership, strategic planning and business transformation. His career is marked by a demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence and foster sustainable growth across various international markets.

The company is anticipating that his leadership will play a key role as Epsilon Carbon continues to expand its global footprint and accelerate innovation within the carbon black business segment. The organisation has formally welcomed Rathi to the team, expressing confidence in his capacity to guide future strategic initiatives. This move underscores Epsilon Carbon’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team in pursuit of long-term global competitiveness.

TVS Srichakra Approves INR 2.2 billion Capacity Expansion For Madurai plants

TVS Srichakra Approves INR 2.2 billion Capacity Expansion For Madurai plants

TVS Srichakra has approved capital investment of up to INR 2.2 billion to expand production capacity at its manufacturing facilities in Vellaripatti, Madurai.

The expansion will cover the company’s two-wheeler tyre and off-highway tyre plants, with investment of up to INR 1.1 billion allocated to each facility.

TVS Srichakra said the two-wheeler tyre plant currently has capacity of about 21 million to 23.5  million tyres a year and operates at utilisation levels of around 80 to 85 percent. The company plans to add about 5 percent capacity, with completion targeted in the first half of FY2028-29.

The off-highway tyre plant has existing capacity of about 75 to 85 metric tonnes a year and operates at utilisation levels of 75 to 80 percent. TVS Srichakra plans to increase capacity at the plant by about 25 percent, with the addition scheduled for the first half of FY2027-28.

The company said the investment would be financed through a combination of internal accruals and debt.

TVS Srichakra said the expansion is intended to meet growing demand for its two- and three-wheeler tyres and off-highway tyre products.