At the same time, Nikolai Setzer will take over as head of Continental’s Original Equipment Car Tires business. Esser previously held this position for over six years, whilst Nikolai Setzer was responsible for the OE Car Tires business in North and South America.

Creating the two new business units enables Continental to consolidate its growing activities in the car, MPV/light van and commercial vehicle tyre replacement business on Asia’s booming market, and Continental believes this move demonstrates the company’s interest in this continent. In his new position, Esser will report directly to Manfred Wennemer, chairman of the board at Continental AG and head of the Car Tire division, as well as to Dr. Hans-Joachim Nikolin, who is a member of the board and is also responsible for the Commercial Vehicle Tire division. Esser headed the Original Equipment Car Tires business unit for over six years and under his leadership Continental became number one in Europe for OE sales and number three in North America.

Nikolai Setzer will be taking over on July 1 as head of the business unit Original Equipment Car Tires at Continental’s head office in Hanover. Having worked so far as head of Key Account Management in the Original Equipment sector in Europe and Asia, and subsequently North and South America over the last three years, Setzer has extensive experience in dealing with vehicle manufacturers.

"I am very much looking forward to working together with a highly motivated and competent team, so that we can enjoy continued success in the Original Equipment sector," commented the graduate in engineering and economics.