HANOVER, Germany -- The role of senior vice president of corporate communications for Continental AG will now be handled by Felix Gress.

The 49-year-old comes to Continental from Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar GmbH, where he served as managing director. He succeeds Heimo Prokop, who left Continental at the end of 2009. In his new position, Gress will report directly to Executive Board Chairman Elmar Degenhart.

Prior to his role at Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar, Gress was for many years the senior vice president of communications at BASF, where, Continental points out, he succeeded not only in enhancing the brand image of the company but also advancing its management culture. (Tire Review/Tyres & Accessories)