HANOVER, Germany—Continental A.G. has promoted Gerd Bartels to head of its Specialty Tires business area, succeeding Wolfgang Thomale, who recently was named head of the Surface Solutions business area in Continental's industrial group sector.
In his new position, Bartels, 55, is responsible for business with tire solutions and services for a variety of industrial applications as well as for two-wheeler and racing tires. He most recently was responsible for controlling in the tire replacement business for passenger car and commercial vehicle tires in the Europe/Middle East/Africa region.
Christian Kotz, head of Conti's Tire Business unit, called Bartels a "proven tire specialist" and said his 30 years of international experience in a wide variety of roles at Continental will stand him in good stead for his new responsibilities.
Bartels joined Continental in 1994 and has held management positions at plant level as well as in the original equipment and tire replacement businesses both in Germany and in Conti's international operations.
Continental's Specialty Tires business area covers the development, production and sale of agricultural, earthmoving, port-vehicle, materials-handling, bicycle, motorcycle and racing tires.
The company's Vision 2030 strategy program underscores Specialty Tires' position as a strategic growth area within Continental Tires.
