Leading German premium tyre manufacturer Continental Tires has appointed Samir Gupta as the new managing director (MD), India. He will also continue as the Head of Central Asia Region (India, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia) Passenger and Light Truck Tires Replacement Business (PLT RE), which he has been leading for the past three years. 

The company says Gupta has experience of more than 30 years in sales and marketing and has been associated with Continental Tires for almost a decade. During his earlier role as Continental Tires Malaysia MD, he led an organisational transformation project to build a highly-effective technical sales force. He has been instrumental in developing efficient processes and building a resilient team that helped increase the company's profitability. Prior to this, as the Market Manager, Truck Tires (TT) India, he has played an instrumental role in shaping the TT business in India in its early phases.

The German tyre company is currently focusing on expanding its footprint across India, and Gupta’s appointment will be crucial in bringing this plan to fruition. His customer-centric approach, which leverages Continental’s strengths of a superior manufacturing plant in India, country-specific focused product portfolio, and digital solutions expertise will be critical to the company’s expansion in the country.

Dalibor Kalina, head of BA replacement Tires APAC, Continental Tires said, “Samir will play a very critical role in driving Continental Tires’ growth in the Indian market. His extensive leadership experience spanning across various markets will help build and maintain agile and robust teams to improve the operational efficiency for current and future continental’s success in the Indian markets.”

Samir Gupta said, “Continental Tires is synonymous with quality, innovation and agility worldwide. Being one of the largest automotive industries, India is an important market for Continental Tires. We are committed to develop and manufacture quality and innovative products that befit the Indian market requirements.  I am excited for my second stint with Continental Tires India and lead the team in its growth and expansion.”