BKT Mourns the Loss of Donzaleigh McCord

By Madeleine Winer
September 19, 2022

Donzaleigh McCord, beloved customer service manager for BKT Tires, passed away Sept. 14 at the age of 70.

BKT says Donzaleigh has been a trusted, valuable member of BKT since 2014. Prior to BKT, she was a longtime employee of Bridgestone Corp. BKT says her work ethic and commitment to customers was exemplary and beyond expectations.

According to her obituary, she leaves a host of devoted family members and friends to cherish her memory.

BKT says it will be dedicated to continuing Donzaleigh’s excellent customer service through this difficult transition.

Visitation will take place Sept. 23 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Church of Christ at Jackson Street in Nashville, Tennessee. A funeral service will follow.

Continental Names New Head of Research and Development

Edwin Goudswaard takes over as head of R&D at Continental Tires, succeeding Dr. Boris Mergell.

By Christian Hinton
September 26, 2023

Edwin Goudswaard is now officially serving as the head of research and development at Continental Tires. He succeeds Dr. Boris Mergell who took over as head of the user experience business area at Continental Automotive, also on September 1, 2023.

Goudswaard began his career at Continental in 2006, shortly after completing his mechanical engineering studies, the company said. Following an international R&D trainee program, he worked in virtual development and product development for original equipment tires. Between 2013 and 2021, Goudswaard assumed various management roles in R&D and in the production facilities for two-wheeler and passenger car tires in Europe and Asia. In 2021, he was appointed head of the two-wheel tire business area. He was most recently responsible for Continental’s global research and development activities in the passenger car tire replacement business.