Magna Tyres Singapore (MTS) mainly specialises in the port handling and mining market segments while also offering tyres to the construction, industrial and truck sectors across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, incorporating 40 countries. These countries also include Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

As for Singapore, it has been only over five years since the Netherlands-based Magna Tyres Group opened a sales and administration office in Singapore to better serve the APAC region, it claims.

The port handling sector is a relatively new market for the OTR and industrial tyres company in the APAC region. According to them, the company is now benefiting from ongoing opportunities in the growing industry, and has already established itself as a popular brand by working with many leading important ports throughout Asia. Whilst in the industrial sector, it is primarily active in the sales of solid and super solid tyres, continually increasing market share in this niche sector.

“Initially, we started within the mining sector, where Magna Tyres already operated a distributor network in Indonesia and Australia," said Olga Matveitshyk, Singapore General Manager, Magna Tyres and went on, “Over time, we have successfully increased our customer sales into the Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, New Zealand and Mongolia. At the same time, we have progressively widened our product range and ensured an impressive brand image in this highly competitive market segment.”

However, the port handling market is equally important to Magna Tyres, as per the OTR and industrial tyre company. Asia encompasses around 60 percent of the world’s current population, resulting in demand for products being continually high. Also, Magna Tyres states that mining equipment is a flourishing exporting commodity that adds to the growing port development industry. At the same time, APAC consists mostly of islands, making the port network and its services key to the region’s further development and sustainability. In truth, in the port handling segment, Magna Tyres’ new further improved 16.00-25 M801 and 310/80R22.5 M-Terminal tyres, with antistatic capabilities, will be launched at the Tyrexpo Asia 2023 show in Singapore in March 2023, claims the OTR and industrial tyre company.

Matveitshyk added, “There is no doubt that our strongest OTR markets are mining and port handling in the APAC sector, which are being driven by the fact that Indonesia and Australia are two of the largest and most successful coal-producing and gold mining countries in the world. We are well placed to provide technologically-advanced products and solutions advice to customers to satisfy individual tyre requirements.”

Looking towards the short term future, Magna Tyres Singapore aims for further growth of its trading network and customer base, and fully intends to widen its supplied product range. Matveitshyk said, “At the same time we are eager to “challenge ourselves” by looking to eventually enter the OEM market in this region.”

In fact, according to Magna Tyres, the company was confirmed as one of the fastest growing companies in the world in 2021. As per them, they have achieved this position by studying and following market demands closely, and adjusting to new trends as they develop.

Matveitshyk added, “Initially, it was a challenge to introduce tyres into an established market with a deep knowledge of the tyre industry. However, Magna Tyres is now a recognised and growing brand in the mining, port handling, construction and industrial segments throughout Asia. Our partners/customers fully appreciate that we can provide solutions through being totally flexible and forward-thinking. In effect, Magna Tyres makes a difference when it comes to customer satisfaction on OTR tyres.”

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, has announced the appointment of Bill Schafer as Chief Revenue Officer for TBC Wholesale. This leadership change follows the planned retirement of Rodger Smith, who will remain with the organisation until December 2026 to support a seamless handover.

Since joining TBC in March 2024, Schafer has concentrated on expanding the company’s wholesale operations. He brings three decades of experience from Michelin, where he directed business to business sales, distribution and logistics across North America while managing a team of over 600 people. His background positions him well to drive revenue growth in his new role.

Smith, a 45-year veteran sales executive with diverse industry expertise, has been instrumental at TBC since his arrival in 2020. He led strategic efforts such as strengthening the national sales organisation and launching Supply Chain as a Service. His continued presence through late 2026 ensures that his knowledge and initiatives will carry forward under Schafer’s leadership.

Don Byrd, President and Chief Executive Officer, TBC Corporation, said, “Bill and Rodger previously partnered to lead TBC’s wholesale strategy and reinforce TBC’s mission of being the distributor of choice in the markets we serve. Our focus is clear: TBC will continue to drive value-creating solutions for our customers in the mobility and automotive industry through exceptional service, a diverse product portfolio and innovative solutions.”

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Dow Inc. said its chief executive Jim Fitterling will become executive chair of the board from 1 July , 2026, with chief operating officer Karen S Carter appointed as chief executive.

Carter will also join the board on the same date, while Richard Davis will continue as independent lead director.

The company said the changes follow a multi-year succession planning process and are intended to ensure continuity as it advances its strategy as a materials science group.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Jim for his exceptional leadership and continued contributions to Dow,” Davis said. “Jim has led the company through a period of significant transformation while strengthening Dow's strategy, culture and long-term positioning. We are equally pleased to congratulate Karen on her appointment as CEO. She is a disciplined, highly respected leader with a deep understanding of Dow's businesses and customers. This appointment reflects our confidence in her ability to lead Dow forward into its next chapter of growth and value creation for customers, employees and shareholders.”

Fitterling, who has been chief executive since 2018 and chair since 2020, oversaw the company’s separation from DowDuPont and led its repositioning towards higher-growth, consumer-led markets. He also guided the group through broader macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, while advancing its sustainability ambitions and corporate culture.

“Serving as CEO of Dow has been the privilege of a lifetime,” Fitterling said. “Together with our employees and leadership team, we have transformed Dow into a stronger, more focused company with the right strategy, capabilities and culture for the future. I look forward to continuing to support Dow as Executive Chair and working closely with Karen to help ensure continuity and strong execution.”

As executive chair, Fitterling will continue to lead the board, focusing on long-term strategy, governance and external relationships.

Carter, who has spent more than three decades at Dow, currently oversees business and operational performance across the company as chief operating officer. She previously led the packaging and specialty plastics division, the group’s largest operating segment, where she focused on capacity expansion, asset upgrades and operational reliability, alongside efforts linked to circular economy initiatives.

“I am deeply honored to assume the role of CEO and lead Dow into our next chapter,” Carter said. “Dow has extraordinary people, world-class assets and leading positions in the markets we serve. Our focus remains unwavering: delivering reliable and innovative solutions for our customers, and long-term value for our employees and our shareholders, while accelerating our transformation to set a new competitive standard for best-in-class performance. I look forward to continuing my partnership with Jim in his new role as Executive Chair, and to working with the Board and all of Team Dow to advance our strategy and deliver on our priorities.”

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Nokian Tyres plc is expanding its partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to strengthen IT operations and support ongoing transformation.

The companies will focus their expanded partnership on maintaining and developing IT applications to meet Nokian Tyres’ future needs and to increase the efficiency of its IT operations.

TCS has already handled Nokian Tyres’ service desk support, end-user services like device deliveries, and network and data centre operations. Starting June 1, 2026, TCS will also take over maintenance and development of IT applications, as well as on-site support for internal processes.

This change is part of a larger restructuring of Nokian Tyres’ IT organisation to keep up with changing business needs.

“A more extensive partnership with TCS will enable Nokian Tyres to have a globally unified, agile, and efficient operating model that supports business needs. In addition, it creates a sustainable foundation for the increasing adoption of next-generation technologies such as automation, data-driven solutions and artificial intelligence,” said Timmy McLellan, vice-president, IT and processes, and chief information officer at Nokian Tyres.

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JK Tyre & Industries, one of the leading tyre manufacturers in the country, has appointed Mandar V Deo as President – India, effective immediately.

Based in Delhi, Deo will report to the Chairman and Managing Director, Dr Raghupati Singhania, and the Managing Director, Anshuman Singhania. He joins the tyre manufacturer with more than two decades of experience in senior leadership positions, having previously served at Exide Energy Solutions, Cummins India and Cummins Inc.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Pune University, alongside a Master’s degree and a PhD from Pennsylvania State University. He also holds an MBA from the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University.

Deo’s appointment comes as JK Tyre continues to expand its global footprint, which currently spans 105 countries and includes 11 manufacturing facilities in India and Mexico with an annual production capacity of 35 million tyres.

The company maintains a focus on technical innovation through its Raghupati Singhania Centre of Excellence in Mysore and was the first in India to introduce 'Smart Tyre' technology featuring integrated Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). Additionally, JK Tyre has committed to the global RE100 initiative, aiming to transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2050.

Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre, said, “I am confident that Mr. Deo will provide strong and adept leadership and steer JK Tyre on a new growth trajectory.”

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