The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association, the apex body representing automotive tyre manufacturers in the country, has announced its new leadership structure.

The apex tyre body has elected Arun Mammen, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of MRF as the new Chairman of ATMA and Hiroshi Yoshizane, MD, Bridgestone India as the new Vice-Chairman of ATMA.

The appointment comes at a crucial juncture as ATMA celebrates 2025 as its Golden Jubilee year.

Mammen hold a graduate degree from the Madras Christian College and MBA from the Ashland University, US. He became the Managing Director of MRF in 2004 and Vice Chairman and Managing Director in 2017.

He believes that the Indian tyre industry should strive to be a major global manufacturer in the next decade and he will work on policy enablers to make the industry more competitive and technologically superior for meeting the needs of developed countries.

ATMA highlighted that given the global push towards carbon emission, there is a clear need to reduce carbon footprint in manufacturing and supply chain among others. The tyre industry on its part is already investing towards regenerative and recycled raw materials, along with using clean energy and reduction in water usage in manufacturing.

Furthermore, the INROAD Project as an industry initiative is expected to further add 200,000 hectares of new rubber plantation in the next two years.

“Over the next five years, focus needs to be given to upgradation of quality and training of the stakeholders,” added Mammen.

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Radar Tires has named Anthony Sbona as Territory Sales Manager for its Radar brand in North America. Entering the tyre industry in 2018, Sbona quickly established a strong foundation in sales and customer relationship management, later expanding his expertise across distribution channels and gaining a deep market understanding. His career progression reflects consistent growth and adaptability in a competitive sector.

Known for building relationships and driving results, Sbona now brings a fresh perspective and solid industry experience to the team. His new role focuses on expanding the Radar brand’s reach, strengthening distributor partnerships and accelerating growth across his assigned territory, positioning the company for sustained regional success.

Rob Montasser, Vice President for Radar Tires North America, said, “We’re excited to welcome Anthony to the Radar Tires team. Anthony’s experience gives him a strong understanding of the market and his region, and we’re confident he will play a key role in continuing to grow our presence across North America.”

Sbona said, “I’m excited to be part of the rapidly expanding Radar Tires team. I look forward to building strong partnerships, growing the brand, and contributing to the continued success of Radar Tires.”

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Monolith has elevated Russ Webb to the role of Chief Executive Officer, signalling a major shift for the Nebraska-based advanced manufacturer. The company, which produces carbon black and hydrogen using its own hydrocarbon pyrolysis technology, is headquartered in Lincoln. This leadership change reflects Monolith’s transition from a focus on technology development to pursuing large-scale manufacturing and geographic expansion, with Webb expected to drive continued progress on the company’s growth plans within the state.

A veteran of the refining, petrochemicals, speciality chemicals, polymers and carbon black sectors, Webb brings more than 35 years of industry experience to the top job. He joined Monolith as Chief Operating Officer, where he managed manufacturing, environmental health and safety, capital projects and supply chain strategy while working alongside commercial and technical teams. His background includes running operations and engineering at multiple global facilities, overseeing greenfield and expansion efforts totalling over USD 750 million and leading major investments in emissions controls, technology upgrades and energy infrastructure across two decades in the carbon black field.

Rob Hanson, Monolith’s Co-Founder, who shepherded the company from an initial concept to a functioning commercial producer of American-made carbon black, will stay on as a senior advisor to ensure a seamless handover. The company remains firmly focused on its Nebraska expansion, with ongoing momentum aimed at securing long-term investment, creating jobs and bolstering domestic output of essential industrial materials.

Hanson said, “Monolith was founded to rethink how carbon black and hydrogen are produced, and I’m incredibly proud of what this team has built. As we enter our next phase, which is focused on execution, reliability and growth, Russ is the right leader for the moment. His depth of operational experience and proven ability to lead complex manufacturing expansions position Monolith well for what comes next.”

Webb said, “I’m honoured to step into the CEO role as Monolith advances towards large-scale manufacturing and expansion in Nebraska. We have a strong foundation, meaningful momentum and a clear mission to produce carbon black and hydrogen at scale. My focus is on safe, reliable execution, strengthening our operations and supporting the company’s long-term growth.”

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BKT, which operates under the BKT Tyres brand, has launched a social media-led campaign aimed at strengthening consumer recall as it expands into India’s on-highway tyre market.

The company said the campaign, titled “Sound of BKT”, forms part of its “Elevate Your Drive” brand platform and coincides with India’s men’s T20 cricket season.

The initiative centres on a brand anthem featuring 25 cricketers from eight T20 franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians. The campaign is designed to encourage participation from fans and digital creators through user-generated content and social media engagement.

BKT said the campaign also uses sonic branding to improve brand recognition during the cricket season, which remains one of India’s most competitive advertising periods. The company has introduced a simplified “BKT Hook Step”, intended as a participative gesture that can be replicated by supporters online.

Mahesh Koppad, Chief Marketing Officer at BKT Tyres, said the company was seeking to move beyond conventional sports sponsorship as it broadened its presence in the consumer mobility market.

“Our multi-season association with Indian T20 League has successfully established robust brand visibility. However, as BKT transitions into a comprehensive mobility provider in the consumer on-highway tyre market, our marketing must evolve from passive sponsorship to active emotional resonance,” Koppad said.

He added that cricket’s cultural significance in India provided an opportunity for the company to build stronger engagement with younger consumers as it expanded its product portfolio.

The campaign will be released in phases across digital platforms, including influencer collaborations, team-specific content and participative contests during the cricket season.

Founded in 1987, BKT manufactures off-highway tyres for sectors including agriculture, construction, mining and material handling. The company recently announced its entry into India’s two-wheeler, passenger car and commercial vehicle tyre segments.

Link to the campaign:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYPZLGmoDfh/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyXOfsJ2zJo

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Anne Forristall Luke, President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), will step down from her role at the end of 2026 following an 11‑year tenure. She originally joined the organisation in 2016 when it was still known as the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). Her leadership is credited with driving substantial growth, strategic change and a measurable rise in the domestic tyre manufacturing industry’s influence.

Under her direction, the association underwent a full transformation in operations and stakeholder engagement. She led the rebrand from the Rubber Manufacturers Association to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association to sharpen the industry’s identity. Forristall Luke also developed a global strategy for navigating complex tyre material issues, expanded membership and revenue, built a high‑performing team culture and forged trusted ties with regulators, researchers, non‑governmental organisations and policymakers at federal, state and tribal levels. The industry’s legislative, regulatory, media and public affairs profile rose markedly during her tenure.

The USTMA board of directors has launched a process to find the next leader, including a search committee operating under board oversight. The search will begin in spring and continue through summer, with a target of selecting a new CEO by October 2026. Heidrick & Struggles, a retained executive search firm, is conducting the search on the board’s behalf.

Forristall Luke will remain in place through the end of the year to work closely with her successor, ensuring a smooth transition. Her final day with the association is 31 December 2026.

Forristall Luke said, “Leading USTMA for the last 11 years has been a tremendous privilege, and I look back with enormous pride on what this Association has accomplished. Together, we raised the profile of an industry that impacts the daily lives of every American and is indispensable to our nation’s safety and long-term economic prosperity. We strengthened relationships that give the tyre industry a credible and trusted voice, and we confronted difficult challenges with transparency and a long-term view. That work belongs to USTMA’s members, Board, extraordinary staff and invaluable partners who brought their expertise and commitment to this mission. I am profoundly grateful to each of them and confident that the foundation we’ve built together will support USTMA’s progress for many years to come.”

Jeff Barna, President and CEO of Yokohama Corporation North America and Chair of the USTMA Board of Directors, said, “Anne’s leadership has been exceptional. At a time of increasing regulatory complexity and public scrutiny, she brought a clear strategic vision and a steady unifying approach, strengthening USTMA’s leadership on critical policy issues and aligning our industry around a common purpose. She leaves the Association well-positioned for continued impact, and the Board is deeply grateful for her lasting contributions to USTMA and the tire industry.”

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