Continental Tires India appoints Nevin Aslan-Özkan as Managing Director

Leadership transition unfolds at Continental as Nevin Aslan-Özkan assumes the role of Managing Director for its India tyre business starting April 6, 2026, marking a strategic shift in regional leadership. She succeeds Samir Gupta, who stepped down on April 5, 2026, citing personal reasons after contributing significantly to the company’s domestic expansion and operational strengthening.

Leadership transition and global experience

Nevin Aslan-Özkan brings extensive international experience to her new role, having joined Continental in 2017 and worked across multiple regions including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Her leadership exposure spans critical functions such as mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, and business development. Prior to this appointment, she served as Chief Financial Officer of Continental Tires India since May 2025, where she played a key role in shaping financial strategy and ensuring performance alignment with corporate goals.

Strategic focus on Indian market growth

Under her leadership, the company is expected to intensify its focus on the India market, particularly in the passenger vehicle segment. The strategic direction aligns with Continental’s localized approach, emphasizing product development tailored to Indian road conditions. Aslan-Özkan highlighted the importance of the market, stating that India remains a priority region driven by the company’s “In the Market, For the Market” philosophy, ensuring relevance and competitiveness in product offerings.

Outgoing leadership and contributions

Samir Gupta, who joined Continental in 2012, led the India operations since January 2022. During his tenure, he was instrumental in strengthening brand presence and expanding market reach across the country. His leadership period saw increased engagement in the domestic tyre segment and improved positioning within the competitive landscape.

Product expansion and market positioning

The leadership change comes at a time when Continental is actively scaling its presence in India. The recent launch of the CrossContact A/T² tyre, designed for SUV and 4x4 vehicles, underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and localization. Notably, India became the first global market to receive this product, reflecting its growing importance in Continental’s global strategy and reinforcing its focus on Passenger Cars and utility vehicle segments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new Managing Director of Continental Tires India?
Continental Tires India has appointed Nevin Aslan-Özkan as its new Managing Director effective April 6, 2026, bringing global leadership experience across strategy, finance, and business development. She previously served as CFO for the India business and has worked across multiple international regions. Her appointment reflects Continental’s strategic focus on strengthening its presence in India and expanding its passenger vehicle tyre segment through localized innovation and market-specific product development initiatives.