FORT MILL, S.C. — Continental Tire the Americas (CTA) announced that effective July 1, Jochen Etzel has been named CEO, replacing Matthias Schoenberg, who was previously named Global Head of ContiTech's Fluid Technology business unit.

Approaching 20 years with Continental, Etzel started his career as a lawyer in Continental’s corporate law department. Only a few years later, Etzel took over the Financial Manager position of the business unit "International," which was responsible for developing Continental’s tire business in regions outside of Europe and NAFTA. In this position, he enhanced his knowledge about international tire business and drove the expansion of Continental’s business and sales networks into countries like Russia, Brazil, Argentina, the Middle East and China. Additionally, he was involved in the negotiation and implementation of technology license agreements.  

From 2003 on, Etzel was leading the corporate Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Real Estate departments. Under his strong leadership, Continental successfully diversified its business and became, with the support of acquisitions such as Motorola's Automotive Electronic Business and Siemens-VDO, one of the top five leading automotive suppliers in the world. Specific to Continental’s tire business, Etzel has consequently developed the international footprint by adding Continental Tyres South Africa and Matador Rubber, Slovakia, as well as numerous distributors, wholesalers and retailers into the Continental tire divisions.

“We are excited to welcome Jochen as head of CTA and are confident in his leadership and diverse experience from previous roles,” said Nikolai Setzer, executive board member and head of Passenger and Light Truck Tires (PLT) for Continental, AG. “His deep knowledge of the international tire business and outstanding accomplishment in successfully developing our company make him an ideal choice to lead the CTA team.”

“This is an excellent opportunity, and I am excited to take this next step with the CTA team,” Etzel said. “Matthias Schoenberg guided CTA to a strong and successful business model in manufacturing, product and sales. I look forward to the challenge of continuing to lead CTA to further volume growth, as well as significant new product launches.”

Etzel earned a law degree and doctorate in law from the University of Freiburg, Germany. He will relocate from Continental’s Headquarters in Hanover, Germany, to the South Carolina area for his new position.