Gerd Bartels (55) became head of Continental’s Specialty Tires business area on November 1, 2023
Gerd Bartels Becomes New Global Head of Speciality Tyres at Continental
Bartels is now responsible for the tyre solutions and services business for a variety of industrial applications, as well as for two-wheeled, bicycle and motorcycle, and competition tyres. In his new position, Gerd Bartels reports directly to Christian Kötz, member of the Executive Board of Continental and head of tyres. Bartels succeeds Wolfgang Thomale, who has recently been appointed director of the Surface Solutions business area in the Contitech business sector of the Continental Group.
“Gerd Bartels is a renowned tyre specialist. His almost 30 years of international experience in a wide variety of positions at Continental will be of great help to him in his new responsibilities. I wish him the best on behalf of the entire management team,” said Christian Kötz.
Bartels joined Continental Tires in 1994, shortly after graduating in business administration. During his time at the company, he has gained extensive experience both in Germany and abroad. He has held management positions at the plant level, as well as in the original equipment and tyre replacement businesses. He has recently been responsible for controlling the passenger car and commercial vehicle tyre replacement business in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region.
Continental’s speciality tyres business area brings together the company’s global activities in the development, production and sale of agricultural, earthmoving and port vehicle tyres, as well as materials handling, bicycle, motorcycle and racing tyres. The Vision 2030 strategic programme underlines Speciality Tires’ position as a strategic growth area within Continental Tires.
