Jochen Etzel is Continental’s new CEO. He replaces
Matthias Schoenberg, who has been named global head of
ContiTech’s Fluid Technology unit.
“This is an excellent opportunity and I am excited to
take this next step with the CTA (Continental Tire the
Americas) team," Etzel says. “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.”
Approaching 20 years with the company, Etzel started his
career as a lawyer in the corporate law department. Only
a few years later, he took over a financial manager
position, responsible for developing Continental’s tire
business in regions outside of Europe and the NAFTA
nations. In this position, he enhanced his knowledge
about international tire business and drove expansion
into countries such as Russia, Brazil, Argentina, the
Middle East and China. Additionally, he was involved in
the negotiation and implementation of technology license
agreements.
From 2003 onwards, Etzel was leading the corporate
mergers and acquisitions and corporate real estate
departments. Specific to the company’s tire operations,
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.
“We are excited to welcome Jochen as head of CTA and are
confident in his leadership and diverse experience from
previous roles,” says Nikolai Setzer, executive board
member and head of passenger car and light truck tires
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.”
Etzel earned a law degree and a doctorate in law from
the University of Freiburg in Germany. He will relocate
from Continental’s headquarters in Hanover, Germany to
the South Carolina area for his new position.
For more information, visit www.continental-
corporation.com.
