FORT MILL, S.C. — Continental’s Passenger and Light Truck Tire Division has appointed Andreas Gerstenberger to the position of executive vice president of Continental AG’s European tire trading company, ContiTrade.
Gerstenberger will be based in Hannover, Germany, and will lead Continental’s retail tire outlets and franchises across Europe. ContiTrade has approximately 4,300 employees in 12 European countries.
Gerstenberger returns to Germany after nearly nine years in the United States where he was most recently in charge of marketing and sales for Continental Tire North America (CTNA), a position he has held since September, 2003. Prior to this position, he was in charge of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) sales for NAFTA.
"Andreas has played a pivotal role in building an excellent marketing and sales team that contributed significantly to the turn around of CTNA’s operations," said Matthias Schoenberg, CEO of CTNA. "He developed an outstanding team, and together they delivered for us a consistent marketing strategy, which included the revamping of the Continental and General Tire brands, developing innovative consumer promotions as well as growing our retail footprint to ensure profitable growth for CTNA. We wish Andreas continued success as he moves on to an even broader challenge."
Gerstenberger earned a master’s degree in economics and business administration from the Hannover University. He joined Continental in 1994.
Bill Caldwell has been appointed to the position of vice president marketing and sales, replacing Gerstenberger in his role in the U.S. Prior to this position, Caldwell was responsible for the OEM business for passenger and light truck tires within Continental Tire North America. Before joining Continental in 2003, Caldwell worked for Ford Motor Co. and Michelin, including experience in the areas of purchasing, account management and controlling.
Caldwell received his bachelor of science degree in finance from Oakland University and his MBA from Wayne State University. He will relocate from Auburn Hills, Mich., to Fort Mill, S.C., and will report directly to Matthias Schoenberg.
