From Tyres & Accessories/Tire Review

HANNOVER, Germany -- The seat on Continental AG's Supervisory Board left vacant by Rolf Koerfer's resignation on Nov. 29 is to be filled by Siegfried Wolf.

The 53-year old Austrian, who also is chairman of the board at Russian Machines OJSC, was nominated to the Conti board on Dec. 4. Wolf’s nomination received the board’s unanimous support and his appointment will be applied for at the local court in Continental’s hometown of Hannover, Germany, early this week.

“I am pleased about the support of Prof. Wolf as a new member of Continental’s Supervisory Board, which we will enhance with a renowned, as well as experienced, expert of the international automotive industry,” said the chairman of Continental’s Supervisory Board Wolfgang Reitzle. He expressed his appreciation for Koerfer for his dedication and contributions.

Described in the media as a “controversial” figure due to his role as a top legal adviser to major shareholder Schaeffler, Koerfer formerly served as chairman of the Supervisory Board before his replacement by Reitzle on Oct. 19. According to an official Continental press release, Koerfer “expressed his willingness” to step down from his post as chairman.