Apollo Tyres targets growth in N America, appoints senior VP to build brand and sales

Apollo Tyres has has appointed Steven Smidlein as the senior vice-president for North America. He will be based in the company’s New Jersey office and will report to Neeraj Kanwar, vice-chairman and managing director, Apollo Tyres.

Steven Smidlein will be responsible for building the brand and sales in North America for both the Apollo and Vredestein tyre brands.

Commenting on this appointment, Neeraj Kanwar said, “With North America almost being an uncharted territory for us, Steven’s 30-plus years of sales management and retail experience, especially in the automotive sector, will help establish both Apollo and Vredestein brands in this continent. We would be relying on his proven ability to grow market share, with a focus on delivery of aggressive sales targets.”

Smidlein has extensive experience in the automotive sector. His last-held position was of director, OE Sales for a leading tyre maker in North America. Prior to that, he was associated with Daimler Chrysler as its corporate director.