Leadership And Governance | Apollo Tyres Corporate

ONKAR KANWAR Chairman & Managing Director Apollo Tyres Ltd

ONKAR KANWAR

Chairman & Managing Director

Apollo Tyres Ltd

As the Chairman of Apollo Tyres Ltd, Onkar Kanwar is the chief architect of the company’s vision and value-driven business strategy. Under his able leadership Apollo became a professionally managed and a globally recognised tyre manufacturer. As a visionary entrepreneur, he plays a critical role in the articulation of company’s business philosophy. Modernisation, excellence and quality are his guiding principals. Registered in 1976, Apollo Tyres under his guidance transformed itself from an Indian manufacturer of commercial vehicle tyres, to a global entity with a full-fledged product portfolio, spanning 3 continents. Onkar Kanwar is highly regarded for his constant emphasis on bettering the lives of people -- be it employees, customers, business partners, shareholders or any other stakeholder -- and responsiveness to change and continuous learning. He is the Past President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), former Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association and was a Member of the Board of Governors for the Indian Institute of Management (Kozhikode). Currently, he is the Chairman of the BRICS Business Council, India. Onkar Kanwar has a keen interest in the field of education and health care. Artemis Health Sciences, promoted by him, is an enterprise focusing on state-of-the-art medical care and runs a cutting edge multi-specialty medical facility which focuses on holistic treatment. An initiative close to his heart is Apollo Tyres' HIV-AIDS awareness and prevention programme for the commercial vehicle driver community, implemented through Apollo Tyres Foundation's Health Care Centres located in large transhipment hubs across India. A Science and Administration graduate from the University of California, Onkar Kanwar is a widely travelled individual. He devotes a large part of his time to reading and is passionate about learning modern management practices and their successful application in business. He has been conferred with ‘Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award – Manufacturing’ for the year 2012. He has recently been awarded Hungarian ‘Order of Merit’, and the Government of Japan’s ‘Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star’.

NEERAJ KANWAR Vice Chairman & Managing Director Apollo Tyres Ltd

NEERAJ KANWAR

Vice Chairman & Managing Director

Apollo Tyres Ltd

As the Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Apollo Tyres, Neeraj Kanwar plays a pivotal role in Apollo’s journey towards becoming one of the most admired automotive tyre brands. Neeraj has pioneered key initiatives in enhancing the competitiveness of the company’s operations and products across the board. He is responsible for crafting Apollo’s growth story -- taking the company from US$450 million to US$2 billion within a 5-year time span. Under his able leadership Apollo acquired Dunlop Tyres International in South Africa and Zimbabwe in 2006, Vredestein Banden B V in the Netherlands in 2009, and latest in the list is the setting up of a Greenfield facility in Hungary -- thereby transforming itself into a multi-geography company with operations across geographies. Neeraj began his career with Apollo Tyres as Manager, Product & Strategic Planning, where he played a crucial role in creating a bridge between the two key functions of manufacturing and marketing. In 1998, he joined the Board of Directors and was promoted to Chief, Manufacturing and Strategic Planning. His people management skills helped him bring overarching changes in industrial relations, upgradation of technology and benchmarking on product and efficiency parameters. In 2002, he took over as the Chief Operating Officer of the organisation, wherein he introduced value-driven process improvements in human resources and information technology. Neeraj Kanwar was appointed Joint Managing Director in 2006 and elevated to Vice Chairman in 2008, and soon after to Managing Director in 2009 for his initiatives in establishing the company in the global arena. As a business leader, Neeraj Kanwar is associated with leading industry associations and was recently the Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturer’s Association, India. Neeraj Kanwar is a people-centric leader and believes in empowering employees to enable them to undertake effective and efficient decisions at all times. Within Apollo, he is known for his affable management style, and combine work with liberal doses of fun. An engineering graduate from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, USA, Neeraj is an avid sportsperson. He prefers to spend his leisure time with his family or playing tennis, swimming and travelling.

BENOIT RIVALLANT President, Europe Apollo Tyres Ltd

BENOIT RIVALLANT

President, Europe

Apollo Tyres Ltd

In his capacity as President, Europe, Apollo Tyres Ltd and CEO, Apollo Vredestein BV, Benoit is responsible for key functions like manufacturing, sales & marketing, customer relations and profitability in Europe. He joined Apollo Tyres in 2014, with a rich and diverse experience of over 25 years, in Asia, Europe and Middle East in the Tyre Industry. In his previous role as the Group Head, Global Product Management (CV & OHT), he has been the driver of Apollo Tyres’ successful introduction of commercial vehicle tyres in Europe. Benoit comes with an in-depth knowledge in the tyre-industry in the commercial vehicle segment. He is credited with accelerating the sales in a sustainable manner in his previous organisation. His core strength lies in the emerging markets and his ability to start out from scratch to build a customer base. Prior to his assignment at Apollo Tyres, he has spent most of his work life with Michelin and has held various roles in the organisation. His last assignment with Michelin was as Vice President, Asia, Earthmover and Industrial Tyres based out of Shanghai. He has also held Commercial Director portfolio for China and Hong Kong truck and bus tyres. A Mechanical Engineer, Benoit has also done BA in Business from Montpellier University, France. A fan of track and field events, he has also served as a coach to various running teams for several years in the past. Benoit is also a member of the company’s Management Board.

DANIELE LORENZETTI Chief technology Officer Apollo Tyres Ltd

DANIELE LORENZETTI

Chief technology Officer

Apollo Tyres Ltd

As Chief Technology Officer, Daniele Lorenzetti spearheads the company’s global initiatives towards research and development for both passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle tyres. With several tyre and mobility related patents against his name, he is leading the team to achieve product leadership for Apollo Tyres in various segments. Before joining Apollo Tyres, Daniele was associated with Pirelli Tyres, where he spent close to 20 years in various capacities; his last role was as Product Director – Industrial Division, where he was responsible for the management of tyre product, materials and process development from design to industrialization of Truck, Agri and Special Vehicles. Prior to this, he was the Product Director for passenger vehicle tyres with a global responsibility of technical OE homologation activities and development of new product lines. He was also associated with Trelleborg Wheel Systems SPA as Vice President – R&D (Agro, Forestry & Industrial Tyres). Having joined Apollo Tyres in early October 2016, Daniele is an experienced hand in the automotive industry, both in commercial and passenger vehicle segments, with his core areas of professional expertise being in technological innovations, product quality improvements and OE homologation. Daniele has an Industrial Chemical Engineering degree from University of Milan. A travelling and sports enthusiast, he enjoys listening to music in his free time and spending time with his family.

GAURAV KUMAR Chief Financial Officer Apollo Tyres Ltd.

GAURAV KUMAR

Chief Financial Officer

Apollo Tyres Ltd.

HIZMY HASSEN Chief Digital Officer Apollo Tyres Ltd

HIZMY HASSEN

Chief Digital Officer

Apollo Tyres Ltd

As Chief Digital Officer, Hizmy Hassen leads the strategy and operations of Apollo Tyres’ digital journey. Along with this, he develops and executes the future architecture roadmap and evolution of the IT delivery model. Hizmy’s last assignment was with Coats PLC, prior to which, he was with Unilever. In his last role, Hassen was globally responsible for Digital and Technology within Coats Group PLC. He is credited with transforming the Global Technology function at Coats, implementing a cloud strategy as well as other modern technologies to underpin digital transformation. He has pioneered digital solutions achieving very high adoption levels, leading to a total transformation of the Coats’ go-to-market strategy. He led the digitalization of Coats’ customer facing interactions which laid the solid foundation for their sales growth and increased productivity. Hassen drove the set-up of ‘Factory 4.0’ and with his extensive experience in supply chain management, he created a fully integrated global supply chain with SAP, as well as advanced supply chain management systems, helping reduce the net working capital and supply chain cost base, at the same time improving upon the customer service levels. Having joined Apollo Tyres recently, Hizmy has 30+ years of rich experience having worked across areas of Supply Chain, Information Technology and Digital Enablement. Hassen holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Leeds, UK. In his spare time, he likes playing golf, keeping fit, spending time with family and friends, and even enjoys watching the English Premier League.

K PRABHAKAR Chief, Projects Apollo Tyres Ltd

K PRABHAKAR

Chief, Projects

Apollo Tyres Ltd

As Chief of Projects, K Prabhakar is responsible for all the growth projects of the organisation. He, and his team, set-up two worldclass manufacturing units -- one in Baroda, in the western part of India in 1991, and in Chennai, in the southern part of India in 2008-09. For both these projects, he has handled diverse functions of industrial engineering, manpower planning, project cost and time monitoring. Post the acquisition of Dunlop Tyres International in South Africa, Prabhakar was the Chief Operating Officer, where he played a key role in the seamless integration of the two organisations. K Prabhakar began his career as a consultant with the National Productivity Council in Kanpur and Chennai, and worked for a few years with Shriram Fibres in Chennai. He joined Apollo Tyres in 1989 as Senior Manager, Industrial Engineering. After his successful handling of the Greenfield projects, he was incorporated into the Strategic Planning and Coordination department in 1997. A year later, he was designated as the Head, Human Resources where he was instrumental in conceptualising a number of initiatives in tune with changing business needs and exponential growth of the organisation. Prabhakar, apart from being a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from NIT, Trichy in south India, and a postgraduate in Industrial Engineering from TIPIE, NPC, Chennai, is also a member of Institute of Cost and Works Accountant of India. An avid reader and academician at heart, he delivers lectures at prestigious Indian Institutes whenever time permits.

P K MOHAMED Chief Advisor, Research & Development Apollo Tyres Ltd

P K MOHAMED

Chief Advisor, Research & Development

Apollo Tyres Ltd

As Chief Advisor, Research & Development, P K Mohamed is the mind behind Apollo's best-in-class research and development centres, product design philosophy, and technologically superior manufacturing facilities. He is one of the founding members of Apollo’s technology journey and continues to mentor all the research and technology related initiatives of the company. Mohamed began his career in 1965 as a Junior Lecturer in Farook College, Calicut, Kerala. He is one of the first few employees of Apollo Tyres who joined the company in 1976. It was because of the significant role he played in product development that cult tyre brands like XT-7 and Amazer, came out of Apollo’s stable. It was because of his significant efforts in developing new products to suit the customer needs, that the company became the leader first in commercial vehicle tyres, and then in passenger vehicle tyres in India. Mohamed is highly regarded for his technological know-how, product knowledge and customercentricity. A Member of Apollo’s Management Board, P K Mohamed is a graduate from the University of Kerala and is also a Fellow Member of Rubber and Plastic Institute, London. Over the years, he has presented and published various research papers on development and testing of tyres. Mohamed has been recognised as the ‘Best Tyre Technologist’ in the country by Rubber Technology Centre, IIT Kharagpur, India in March 2013.

PEDRO MATOS Global Programme Management & European OE Business Apollo Tyres Ltd

PEDRO MATOS

Global Programme Management & European OE Business

Apollo Tyres Ltd

SATISH SHARMA Wholetime Director Apollo Tyres Ltd

SATISH SHARMA

Wholetime Director

Apollo Tyres Ltd

As President of Apollo Tyres, Satish Sharma guides strategy and oversees the implementation of key functions like manufacturing, sales and marketing, customer relations and profitability in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. A member of the company’s Management and Supervisory Board, he is a man who prefers taking challenges head-on. He is credited with Apollo’s steady sales growth, in the last few years. Satish Sharma began his career with JK Tyres, moving very soon to the position of a Manager, where he was responsible for brand and product management, planning and development, advertising and sales promotion, market research and after-sales service. He joined Apollo Tyres in 1997 as a Product Manager and was gradually promoted to the position of Chief, Marketing. Sharma's eye for new products and market strategies has contributed consistently to the company’s progression. Known for his innovative marketing initiatives and exceptional leadership qualities, he continues to mentor and coach business units within the organisation. Satish took over as the Chief, India Operations for Apollo Tyres in April 2006. In early 2014, he was redesignated as the President for Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa region, and was inducted to the Board as the Wholetime Director in March 2019. A Chemical Engineer from the National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Madhya Pradesh, Satish also holds a post-graduate diploma in Business Management from Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad. He is a member of the Institute of Engineers, Indian Rubber Institute and All India Management Association (AIMA). An avid sportsperson, who is extremely passionate about his fitness, Sharma enjoys golf and running. He actively participates in the half-marathons held every year. Apart from sports, he loves challenging crossword puzzles and travelling with his family.

SUNAM SARKAR President & Chief Business Officer Apollo Tyres Ltd

SUNAM SARKAR

President & Chief Business Officer

Apollo Tyres Ltd

Sunam Sarkar oversees Human Resources, Integrated Supply Chain including Raw Material sourcing, Production Planning & Logistics Operations, Information Technology, Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Strategy. Sunam, who is best known for his innovative perspectives and participatory management style, in his previous role as the CFO, had successfully led and executed Apollo’s international acquisitions and greatly strengthening the company’s Balance Sheet. Sunam Sarkar began his career at Modi Xerox, where he held assignments in direct sales, sales management and training, before becoming one of the youngest executives to head a Business Unit as a General Manager. At Xerox, he also aided the development of cutting-edge sales training programmes and played a significant role in helping Xerox India attain 58-percent market share. In 1999, Sunam joined Apollo Tyres as Head, Marketing, Non- Truck Tyres. Since then he has pioneered a number of initiatives that have had a significant impact on revenue, profitability, employee satisfaction and customer delight. He took over as the Chief Financial Officer in 2009, and as Chief Business Officer in November 2014. Sunam has been a Director on the Board of the Company since 2004. A Commerce graduate from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, Sunam also holds an International Masters in Practicing Management from Lancaster University, UK. An avid golfer, he enjoys western classical music, travelling and study of human behaviour and processes.

YOICHI SATO Chief Quality & Safety Officer Apollo Tyres Ltd

YOICHI SATO

Chief Quality & Safety Officer

Apollo Tyres Ltd

As Chief Quality and Safety Officer, Yoichi (Joe) Sato handles the Global Quality, Health, Safety and Environment function at Apollo Tyres. He plays a pivotal role in benchmarking, developing and implementing best management systems and processes in the organisation to achieve superior business results. Sato San was previously associated with Bridgestone as its Vice President and Officer (Quality). Prior to that also, he was associated with Bridgestone as its General Manager in the PCR and OHT Unit, and as the Director of Quality in Bridgestone Americas in the early 2000. He started his management career as a Quality Manager at one of the Passenger Car and Motorcycle tyre manufacturing facility. Having joined Apollo Tyres recently, Sato San has 35 years of rich experience, predominantly in the Tyre and Automobile Industry, most of which has been in the Quality function. Having worked in different geographies in the past, he enjoys working with multicultural teams. Sato San has done his Bachelor of Materials Engineering from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokyo. In his spare time, he likes playing Guitar and listening Pops. In addition to enjoying his Golf, Sato San goes for running during weekends, and participates in half marathons every year.

Leadership

ONKAR KANWAR

NEERAJ KANWAR

AKSHAY CHUDASAMA

FRANCESCO CRISPINO

FRANCESCO GORI

GENERAL BIKRAM SINGH (RETD.)

LAKSHMI PURI

PALLAVI S SHROFF

ROBERT STEINMETZ

SATISH SHARMA

SUNAM SARKAR

VIKRAM S MEHTA

VINOD RAI

VISHAL MAHADEVIA

SEEMA THAPAR

ONKAR KANWAR

NEERAJ KANWAR

BENOIT RIVALLANT

DANIELE LORENZETTI

GAURAV KUMAR

HIZMY HASSEN

K PRABHAKAR

P K MOHAMED

PEDRO MATOS

SATISH SHARMA

SUNAM SARKAR

YOICHI SATO

Helpful Links

Company

Social

Download