Omni United Names Ex-Continental Tester to Lead Tyre Testing

Omni United Names Ex-Continental Tester to Lead Tyre Testing

Omni United Pte. appointed Stéphane Clepkens as Test Manager, hiring a veteran tyre expert to oversee the Singapore-based manufacturer's testing operations and performance analysis.

Clepkens, who has more than 25 years of tyre testing experience, previously held senior positions at Continental AG and Nokian Tyres Plc. The company said he will manage relationships with independent testing organisations while conducting hands-on analysis as a professional handling driver.

"We are thrilled to welcome Stéphane to the Omni United team. His extensive experience and hands-on expertise will be vital in our mission to make premium, high-quality products affordable to all. Stéphane's appointment reinforces our commitment to innovation, quality, and delivering exceptional value to our customers worldwide," said GS Sareen, president and CEO of Omni United.

The hire brings specialised expertise to Omni United's testing programme, including extensive experience at Germany's Nürburgring-Nordschleife racing circuit. Clepkens has worked as a freelance tester with multiple automotive and tyre manufacturers.

The appointment strengthens Omni United's technical capabilities as the company competes with larger global tyre manufacturers in performance and testing validation.

"I am thrilled to join Omni United and am committed to ensuring Radar Tyres are rigorously tested to outperform premium brands while remaining affordable. This opportunity allows me to collaborate with a dynamic team that shares my passion for innovation and excellence in tyre technology," said Clepkens.

CAMSO Construction Appoints Andreas Lüllau As Area Sales Manager For DACH Region

CAMSO Construction Appoints Andreas Lüllau As Area Sales Manager For DACH Region

CAMSO Construction has announced the appointment of Andreas Lüllau as Area Sales Manager for the DACH region. His career in industrial and construction tyres began in 2007 at Industriereifen Kontor Lüdtke, where he developed extensive industry experience. The company stated that his strong background adds valuable expertise and a solid understanding of the DACH market. CAMSO Construction looks forward to his contributions in strengthening the company’s regional presence and partnerships.

The company statement read: “His career in industrial and construction tires began in 2007 at Industriereifen Kontor Lüdtke, and since then, he has built extensive experience across the industry. This strong background adds valuable depth to the expertise he brings to the team, along with a solid understanding of the DACH region. We look forward to the contribution he will make in strengthening our presence and partnerships in the market. Welcome to CAMSO Construction, Andreas!”

Anthony Sbona Named Territory Sales Manager For Radar Tires In North America

Anthony Sbona Named Territory Sales Manager For Radar Tires In North America

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.”

Monolith Names Russ Webb As CEO Amid Manufacturing Expansion

Monolith Names Russ Webb As CEO Amid Manufacturing Expansion

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.”

BKT Turns T20 Partnership Into Consumer Brand Push

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: