HANOVER, Germany (May 12)—Martien de Louw, Continental A.G.'s top executive in the firm's passenger and light truck tires division since February 2003, is leaving the company immediately "due to differing views over the business strategy."
Manfred Wennemer, Continental executive board chairman, will take over responsibility for the passenger/light truck tires division in addition to his function as chairman.
Alan Hippe, currently responsible for finance, controlling and law, is taking on responsibility for the passenger and light truck tire business in North America and assuming the position of president and CEO of Continental Tire North America Inc. for a limited period of time.
A native of the Netherlands, de Louw, 59, joined Continental from DAF Trucks, a subsidiary of the Paccar Group in Seattle. He joined DAF in 1972 following stints at Groupe Michelin in Germany and France and at Philips Netherlands.
Hippe, 38, has been with Conti since 2002, prior to which he was in charge of controlling, finances and accounting for the company that operates the Frankfurt/Main, Germany, airport.